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Genetic counseling and parental self-concept change
Insights
Genetic counseling improved parents' self-concept, boosting self-esteem and positive identity. While conflict decreased, a rise in the NDS score warrants caution in managing genetic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Parental genetic counseling is crucial for families with children affected by genetic disorders.
- Understanding the psychological impact on parents is essential for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of genetic counseling on the self-concept of parents with children diagnosed with genetic diseases.
- To assess changes in self-esteem and psychological identity post-counseling.
Main Methods:
- Twelve parents of children with various genetic conditions participated.
- The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale was administered before and after genetic counseling sessions.
- Analysis focused on Total Positive Score, Total Conflict, and the NDS score.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the Total Positive Score indicated improved self-esteem.
- Positive changes were observed across family, social, moral, physical, and psychologic identity domains.
- Total Conflict decreased, but the NDS score increased, signaling a need for careful monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Genetic counseling can lead to documented improvements in parental self-concept.
- Further research is needed to identify factors influencing psychological changes and disease management.
- The NDS score increase suggests a need for cautious interpretation of overall psychological adjustment.
Abstract:
Twelve parents of children with genetic diseases (Klinefelter syndrome, trisomy 21, lactase deficiency, phenylketonemia, Noonan syndrome, ichthyosis, Prader-Willi syndrome, and trisomy 13) were tested with the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale prior to and immediately after genetic counseling. Total Positive Score, indicative of self-esteem level, changed significantly. The score increased due to positive changes in the subjects' family, social, moral, physical and psychologic identity, and affect and behavior. This change is interpreted as an improvement in self-concept. Two other changes were only marginally insignificant, however. The Total Conflict decreased and that is a sign of improvement; but the NDS increased. Of the two scores, the NDS is the more powerful indicator and an increase in it is a signal for caution. Self-concept improvement with genetic counseling of parents whose progeny had one of the described diseases has, therefore, been documented. Carefully designed investigations of the future will verify factors which induce psychologic change and effect the management of disease.