Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:17
An Allele-specific Gene Expression Assay to Test the Functional Basis of Genetic Associations
Published on: November 3, 2010
Genetic discrimination: perspectives of consumers
E V Lapham1, C Kozma, J O Weiss
1Georgetown University Child Development Center, 3307 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20007-3935. laphamv@medlib.georgetown.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|October 25, 1996
Summary
Genetic disorders can lead to perceived discrimination, with many individuals fearing job or insurance denials. This fear discourages genetic testing and disclosure of genetic information to employers and insurers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Bioethics
- Public Health
Background:
- Genetic disorders impact numerous families.
- Concerns about genetic discrimination are rising.
- Understanding patient perceptions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perceived discrimination experienced by individuals with genetic disorders.
- To assess the impact of genetic discrimination fears on health behaviors.
- To highlight the need for further research into genetic discrimination.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 332 members of genetic support groups.
- Inclusion of families with 101 different genetic disorders.
- Analysis of perceived discrimination in insurance and employment.
Main Results:
- 25% believed refused life insurance, 22% health insurance, 13% denied employment.
- 9% refused genetic testing due to fear of discrimination.
- 18% withheld information from insurers, 17% from employers.
Conclusions:
- Perceived genetic discrimination is a significant issue for affected individuals.
- Fear of discrimination influences decisions about genetic testing and information disclosure.
- Further investigation is needed to quantify the extent of genetic discrimination.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:49What is Genetic Engineering?
Overview
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who are...
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...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
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...
01:23Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
Behavior genetics explores how genetic inheritance influences human behavior. It focuses on how genes, passed from parents to offspring, contribute to the development of behavioral traits and tendencies. This branch of genetics seeks to understand the complex interplay between inherited genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping our behaviors.
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...