Parental communication of BRCA1/2 genetic test results to children

The aim of this study was to evaluate the likelihood, correlates, and psych ological impact of parental communication to children of parents' BRCA1/2 g enetic test results for breast cancer risk. Subjects were 133 adult members of high risk families. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological distr ess variables were assessed during a baseline telephone interview conducted prior to patient education and test result notification. Parental communic ation of test results to children and parental psychological distress and c oping efforts were assessed 1 month post-genetic counseling and receipt of test results. Mothers (versus fathers), and persons with higher levels of b aseline general distress, were significantly more likely to communicate the ir test results to children. Post-counseling coping efforts, both active an d avoidant, were positively associated with post-counseling distress levels . However, communication of test results to children did not relate to chan ges in distress. In conclusion, parents with higher levels of pre-counselin g general psychological distress may be more likely to communicate their ge netic test results to children; however, this act does not minimize their d istress and could possibly generate distress in their youngsters. Research is needed to evaluate the process and content of post-rest disclosure episo des and the impact on participant, child, and family functioning. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.