TY - JOUR
T1 - Relationship between Differentiation of Self and the Stress and Distress Associated with Predictive Cancer Genetic Counseling and Testing
T2 - Preliminary Evidence
AU - Bartle-Haring, Suzanne
AU - Gregory, Paula
PY - 2003/12
Y1 - 2003/12
N2 - The major objective of this article is to present preliminary evidence linking differentiation of self to decisions concerning predictive cancer genetic testing. We also measured the level of stress and distress experienced by individuals in the family when they receive genetic counseling and/or testing for hereditary forms of cancer. This pilot study included 25 pairs of individuals (probands and study partners who were a spouse, sibling, or parent) who called for an appointment at the Ohio State University Cancer Genetics Program. Three hypotheses were generated based on Bowen's Family Systems Theory, and two were supported by the data presented. This pilot study demonstrated that differentiation was associated with the stress associated with the counseling and/or testing situation, and psychological distress for both probands and study partners.
AB - The major objective of this article is to present preliminary evidence linking differentiation of self to decisions concerning predictive cancer genetic testing. We also measured the level of stress and distress experienced by individuals in the family when they receive genetic counseling and/or testing for hereditary forms of cancer. This pilot study included 25 pairs of individuals (probands and study partners who were a spouse, sibling, or parent) who called for an appointment at the Ohio State University Cancer Genetics Program. Three hypotheses were generated based on Bowen's Family Systems Theory, and two were supported by the data presented. This pilot study demonstrated that differentiation was associated with the stress associated with the counseling and/or testing situation, and psychological distress for both probands and study partners.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0347356406&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1037/1091-7527.21.4.357
DO - 10.1037/1091-7527.21.4.357
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0347356406
SN - 1091-7527
VL - 21
SP - 357
EP - 381
JO - Families, Systems and Health
JF - Families, Systems and Health
IS - 4
ER -