| Abstract | The study examined the effect of risk and uncertainty in the form of penetrance on interest in genetic testing, among other variables. Health providers may benefit from knowing what levels of these salient variables produce highest interest or motivate an individual to seek the intervention of genetic testing or change other health behaviors. The study used 2 x 2 between subjects design with four conditions: (1) Low risk, low penetrance, (2) low risk, high penetrance, (3) high risk, low penetrance, and finally (4) high risk, high penetrance. Texas Christian University students enrolled in communication classes (N=90) were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions. A TCU student news article was used to manipulate both risk and penetrance. Higher levels of penetrance lead to increases in behavioral intentions, interest, and attitude about genetic testing. Findings suggest that efficacy, with risk and penetrance plays a role in the perception of severity. Together, risk, penetrance, and efficacy interact to construct four groups of individuals: Indifference, Denial, and two distinct Rationality groups. Use of these rationale behind these groups may inform providers on how to better persuade patients to engage in preventative measures such as genetic testing. |
