Risk taking behavior: decision making in the face of genetic uncertainty

Clients of genetic counseling frequently are called on to choose courses of action which may place themselves, their families, or their future offspring at some physical and/or emotional risk. This paper focuses on the nature of decision making in the face of such uncertainties. Evidence is presented from both research with clients making decision as well as from basic social psychological investigations of decision making which indicates the emotional and cognitive strains involved in making judgments under uncertainty. A framework for social work intervention is suggested that emphasizes prevention of deficiencies in information processing and decision making.