Abstract
Unrealistic optimism about risks concerning genetic and acquired disorders in a child is investigated within a group of first-year university students (Study 1) and a group of adults with a mean age of 32 years (Study 2). Although an optimistic bias is found for each risk, only cystic fibrosis provides evidence of an effect of information about prevention (Study 2) and of a positive relation between optimism and perceived preventability (Study 1 and 2). The absence of relation qualifies the importance of preventability for the occurrence of unrealistic optimism. Moreover, optimism is affected neither by personal (Study 1) or professional (Study 2) experience nor by the perceived influence of heredity (Study 2), leaving the question concerning determinants of optimism regarding genetic risks largely unanswered.
Highlights
Summary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
