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Influence of genetic risk information on parental role identity in adolescent girls and young women from families with fragile X syndrome.

Publication ,  Journal Article
McConkie-Rosell, A; Heise, EM; Spiridigliozzi, GA
Published in: J Genet Couns
February 2012

Using a multi-group cross-sectional design, we explored self-concept related to parental role salience and enactment in 53 young women (14 to 24 years) with knowledge they were either carriers, non-carriers, or could be a carrier of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Parental role salience included the participants' desire "to be a mother" and the importance they placed on this role. Enactment focused on the participants' views regarding ways to become a mother (reproductive options), parenting a child affected by FXS, and the development of partner relationships (marriage). Participants completed the FXS Adolescent Interview and the FX-Visual Analog Scale. Participants' knowledge of their genetic risk status appears to have influenced both salience and enactment of the parental role, and the effect varied based on carrier status. For many, knowledge of genetic risk appears to have led to reappraisal, redefinition, and re-engagement with the goal of becoming a parent. This process was prominent in those who were carriers and less so in those who were at-risk, and it did not typically occur in those who were non-carriers. Findings offer valuable insight into the impact of genetic risk information on developing perceptions of the parental role and offer new directions for genetic counseling with adolescents and young women with a family history of FXS.

Duke Scholars

Published In

J Genet Couns

DOI

EISSN

1573-3599

Publication Date

February 2012

Volume

21

Issue

1

Start / End Page

59 / 71

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Self Concept
  • Risk Assessment
  • Reproductive Behavior
  • Motivation
  • Mothers
  • Humans
  • Genetics & Heredity
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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McConkie-Rosell, A., Heise, E. M., & Spiridigliozzi, G. A. (2012). Influence of genetic risk information on parental role identity in adolescent girls and young women from families with fragile X syndrome. J Genet Couns, 21(1), 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-011-9391-8
McConkie-Rosell, Allyn, Elizabeth Melvin Heise, and Gail A. Spiridigliozzi. “Influence of genetic risk information on parental role identity in adolescent girls and young women from families with fragile X syndrome.J Genet Couns 21, no. 1 (February 2012): 59–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-011-9391-8.
McConkie-Rosell, Allyn, et al. “Influence of genetic risk information on parental role identity in adolescent girls and young women from families with fragile X syndrome.J Genet Couns, vol. 21, no. 1, Feb. 2012, pp. 59–71. Pubmed, doi:10.1007/s10897-011-9391-8.
Journal cover image

Published In

J Genet Couns

DOI

EISSN

1573-3599

Publication Date

February 2012

Volume

21

Issue

1

Start / End Page

59 / 71

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Self Concept
  • Risk Assessment
  • Reproductive Behavior
  • Motivation
  • Mothers
  • Humans
  • Genetics & Heredity
  • Genetic Testing
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease