HIGH POINT, N.C., April 4, 2016 – Research published by Dr. Sojung Claire Kim, assistant professor of strategic communication at High Point University, shows that online discussions have a positive impact on people’s intentions to participate in genetic testing and research.
The article, titled “Online Discussion Effects on Intention to Participate in Genetic Research: A Longitudinal Experimental Study,” appeared in the journal Psychology & Health. Kim conducted her research with co-authors Joseph Cappella and Vincent Price of the University of Pennsylvania.
“Genetic research involves genetic testing, which reveals important information about individuals’ DNA sequences and their disease potential. For social, ethical and practical reasons, it’s imperative that people are well informed when making decisions about participating,” Kim says.
In the study, participants took part in three online discussions with others and then were asked about their willingness to participate in genetic research.
“The most interesting finding was that online discussion participants had fewer negative beliefs about volunteering for genetic research. In turn, they had more positive attitudes, increased perceptions of approval from others, and enhanced behavioral control,” says Kim. “In other words, public discussions online seem to positively affect people’s intentions to participate by taking away their fear of negative consequences.”
Kim adds that the findings are important to consider as genetic testing and research become more prevalent. Personal information can be revealed through such testing, so the study has direct implications for the public’s decision-making.
“There has been a need for more public information about genetic research,” she says. “Discussing the issue with others seems to be a suitable strategy for engaging people in this and other important health decisions.”