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Updated: May 6, 2026
07:59
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
1.8K
Contemplating genetic feedback regarding lung cancer susceptibility
James A Shepperd1, Corinne A Novell, Suzanne C O'Neill
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, PO Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA, shepperd@ufl.edu.
Summary
Smokers most desire a retest for genetic risk if they expect good news but receive bad news, challenging their self-enhancement and consistency motives.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Understanding how individuals process genetic test results is crucial for health behavior interventions.
- Self-enhancement and consistency theories offer frameworks for predicting responses to health-related information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate three theoretical models (self-enhancement, consistency, and a combined model) explaining smokers' retest desire after hypothetical genetic testing.
- To investigate the influence of expectation favorability and test result favorability on retest intentions.
Main Methods:
- 128 college smokers participated in the study.
- Participants read about a lung cancer biomarker (GSTM1 gene) and reported their perceived gene status.
- Hypothetical scenarios involving favorable versus unfavorable GSTM1 results were presented to gauge retest desire.
Main Results:
- Smokers were most inclined to seek a retest when they received unfavorable genetic test results contrary to their expectations.
- This indicates a tendency to reject information that challenges their desired self-perception or existing beliefs.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a combined model integrating self-enhancement and consistency theories.
- Smokers' desire for retesting is highest when genetic risk feedback conflicts with both their desire for positive self-regard and their need for cognitive consistency.
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