Interpersonal responses among sibling dyads tested for BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations.

Abstract

Objective-The familial context plays an important role in psychosocial responses to genetic testing. The purpose of this study was to compare sibling pairs with different combinations of BRCA1/BRCA2 test results on measures of affect, interpersonal responses, and physiological reactions.Design-Forty-nine sibling dyads with different combinations of BRCA1/BRCA2 test results (i.e., mixed, positive, negative) completed a questionnaire, and 35 of the dyads also participated in a laboratory-based discussion of genetic testing.Main Outcome Measures-The primary outcome variables included participant reports of supportive actions toward their sibling, state anger and anxiety, perceptions of sibling behavior, and electrodermal responses.Results-Compared to positive and negative dyads, mixed pairs reported less friendly general support actions, noted more anger, and perceived their sibling to be less friendly and more dominant during the interactions. In comparisons between same-result (i.e., positive, negative) pairs, positive dyads reported more dominant support behaviors and perceived their sibling to be friendlier during the interactions.

Stigmatization and Male Identity: Norwegian Males’ Experience after Identification as BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers

“…In this study, some participants described being the sole sibling who turned out to be mutation positive, followed by lack of interest from the siblings who turned out to be mutation negative. Hamann et al (2008) report that siblings who received discordant results perceived their siblings as less friendly and less supportive compared to those who received identical test results.…”

Survivor Guilt

“…This was further corroborated in the literature in cases of Huntington's disease, 3 HIV/AIDS, 4 as well as cancer genetics. [5][6][7] Beyond familial relationships, survivor guilt has also been identified in social relationships, such as individual guilt for testing negative for a genetic test whereas other members of a support group tested positive. 8 As such, in both familial and social scenarios, the individuals who tested negative felt tremendous guilt over being "spared" and therefore surviving.…”

Antisocial Sport Behaviors Survey: Instrument Development and Initial Validation

“…The structural validity of the 'abetting' dimension items may be both context (e.g., intrateam) and relationship (e.g., teammates) specific. Research examining interper sonal support actions found that more similar individuals reported more communal behaviors and suggested that those who differed may experience more tension and distance (Hamann et al, 2008). Similarly, individuals who view themselves and others similarly express stron ger communal values (Locke & Christensen, 2007).…”