1. Revealed identity: a study of the process of genetic counselling
- Author
-
Armstrong, David, Michie, Susan, and Marteau, Theresa
- Subjects
Genetic counseling -- Social aspects ,Genetic disorders -- Social aspects ,Medical genetics -- Social aspects ,Health ,Social sciences - Abstract
This paper describes a qualitative study of the processes employed within a genetic counselling consultation. These processes, it is argued, can be seen to provide the patient with a genetic identity. But unlike the new identity conferred by the diagnosis of many chronic medical conditions a genetic identity is presented as an old one that is now revealed. This represents a reversal of the stigmatising process: instead of a spoiled identity replacing an actual one, the genetic consultation involves revealing an actual identity in the place of a previously presumed one. In this way, genetic counselling reconstructs identity in the past as well as in the future. Key words - genetic counselling, genetic risk
- Published
- 1998