Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
07:34
FISH for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Published on: February 23, 2011
Certainty and uncertainty in genetic counselling: a qualitative case study
J A Smith1, S Michie, A Allanson
1Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
Psychology & Health
|February 7, 2003
Summary
Genetic counseling communication reveals a contrast between the promise of new genetics and the uncertainty of test results. Clinicians offer certainty amidst complex personal and social implications of genetic information.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Clinical Genetics
- Sociology of Science
Background:
- Genetic counseling integrates complex scientific information with personal patient circumstances.
- Effective communication is crucial for navigating patient understanding and expectations.
Observation:
- Qualitative analysis of nine genetic counseling sessions revealed communication patterns.
- Clinicians expressed certainty about genetic technologies' potential but uncertainty about specific test information and limitations.
- A contrast existed between clinician control over the consultation's structure and the uncontrollable personal/social implications of genetic topics.
Findings:
- Communication highlighted a tension between the perceived power of new genetics and the practical limitations of genetic testing.
- Clinicians managed inherent uncertainty by providing structure and a sense of order within the counseling session.
Implications:
- Understanding these communication dynamics is key to improving genetic counseling practices.
- Addresses the gap between the promise of genetic advancements and their current application in patient care.
- Highlights the need for strategies to manage patient expectations regarding genetic information and its utility.
Related Concept Videos
01:49Probability Laws
Overview
01:17Karyotyping
Describing the number and physical features of chromosomes can reveal abnormalities that underlie genetic diseases. This description is facilitated by special staining techniques that produce a particular banding pattern on each chromosome. State-of-the-art techniques make this approach even more powerful, enabling the detection of individual genes that cause disease.A Simple Chromosome Staining Technique Provides Valuable Scientific InsightSome genetic diseases can be detected by looking at...
01:22Case Studies
There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.
01:43Incomplete Dominance
Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.
01:27Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
The human genome is over 99.9% identical between individuals, yet genetic differences exist at millions of bases. The human genome contains approximately 3 million variant positions per individual, many of which are heterozygous, contributing to genetic diversity and individual traits. Genetic variations include single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and copy number variations (CNVs).SNPs, the most common variation, involve single-base changes in DNA. These can be...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...