Causal attributions for raised cholesterol and perceptions of effective risk-reduction: Self-regulation strategies for an increased risk of coronary heart disease

Being at risk for cardiovascular disease: Perceptions and preventive behavior in people with and without a known genetic predisposition

“…In contrast to earlier research (Marteau et al, 2004;Senior & Marteau, 2007), we found no evidence that genetic risk information weakened attributions to lifestyle factors or lowered perceived efficacy of, and adherence to lifestyle recommendations. In our study, participants either with or without a genetic predisposition seemed to be well aware of the multifactorial nature of the risk, and that maintaining a healthy lifestyle in addition to taking medication can be effective in reducing CVD risk.…”

“…On the other hand, since both family history information as well as positive DNA test results specifically refer to a potential genetic origin of the risk, this information is also likely to strengthen genetic attributions of risk, which in turn may weaken attributions to behavioral causes. Attributions of risk may influence the confidence in the efficacy of, and adherence to, specific preventive recommendations (Marteau & Weinman, 2006;Senior & Marteau, 2007). People who strongly believe in a genetic origin of risk may have more confidence in biologically based methods (such as taking medication) to reduce risk than in behavioral means.…”

“…There is also some support that identifying a genetic predisposition to CVD strengthens genetic attributions of CVD while weakening attributions to behavioral causes (Marteau et al, 2004;Senior, Weinman, & Marteau, 2000). There is some evidence that the provision of genetic risk information increases perceived efficacy of medication (Marteau et al, 2004;Phelan, Yang, & Cruz-Rojas, 2006;Senior & Marteau, 2007;Senior, Marteau, & Weinman, 2005;Wright, Weinman, & Marteau, 2003) and decreases the perceived efficacy of a healthy lifestyle (Marteau et al, 2004;Senior & Marteau, 2007). Only a few studies have examined the role of having a family history of CVD and/or an identified genetic predisposition to CVD in relation to preventive behavior.…”

“…Only a few studies have examined the role of having a family history of CVD and/or an identified genetic predisposition to CVD in relation to preventive behavior. Some studies found positive associations with medication adherence but no relation with lifestyle adjustments (McCusker et al, 2004;van Maarle et al, 2003) while others showed no relationship with either medication adherence or lifestyle adjustments (Elis et al, 2008;Marteau et al, 2004;Senior & Marteau, 2007;Wright et al, 2007).…”

Patient Beliefs and Behaviors About Genomic Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: Implications for Prevention

“…For example, belief in genetic causality for cardiovascular disease, obesity, or cancer has been reported to be associated with less preventive behaviors, more risky behaviors, greater belief in biological treatment effectiveness, or less perceived control (Claassen et al, 2010;Kaphingst, Lachance, & Condit, 2009;Senior & Marteau, 2007;Senior, Marteau, & Peters, 1999;Wang & Coups, 2010). A recent meta-analysis, however, concluded that the evidence for such fatalism in response to genetic testing is limited (Collins, Wright, & Marteau, 2011).…”