Familial Effects of BRCA1 Genetic Mutation Testing: Changes in Perceived Family Functioning

Abstract

This study expands recent research that examines how the receipt of BRCA1 genetic test results affects family adaptability and cohesion 1 year after genetic risk notification. Study participants were members of a large Utah-based kindred with an identified mutation at the BRCA1 locus. The final sample, 90 men and 132 women, contributed information before genetic testing (baseline) and 4 months and/or 1 year after receipt of genetic test results. After controlling for other factors such as family coping resources (Family Crises-Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale) and strains (Family Strains Index) and the tested individual's anxiety levels before genetic testing (state anxiety subscale), men and women reported significant declines in family cohesion 1 year after genetic risk notification (P < 0.01). There is suggestive evidence that carrier men reported increasing adaptability 1 year after risk notification (+0.21 points per month; P < 0.10). Having a carrier sister had a positive influence on women's perceived family cohesion and adaptability levels, whereas a personal history of cancer, having a great deal of caregiving involvement for a female relative with cancer, anxiety, and some types of coping resources had a negative effect on men's perceived family cohesion and adaptability levels. Although results showed that tested parents are perceiving a decline in family functioning after genetic risk notification, there is no evidence to suggest that the decline is due to carrier status. In fact, it is other life circumstances that exist at the time of the genetic testing process that seem to influence the degree to which families adjust to the experience and test results.