When the Topic is You: Genetic Counselor Responses to Prenatal Patients’ Requests for Self‐Disclosure

• DOI: 10.1007/s10897-012-9554-2
• Publication Date: 2012-12-05T18:59:15Z
• Authors: Jessica R. Balcom; Patricia McCarthy...; Heather Bemmels; Krista Redlinger‐...; Bonnie S. LeRoy
• Keywords: Self-disclosure; Affect; Demographics

A limited amount of research indicates patient requests play a major role in genetic counselors' self-disclosure decisions and that disclosure non-disclosure responses to may differentially affect counseling processes. Studies further suggest be more common prenatal settings, particularly when counselors are pregnant. Empirical evidence is however, concerning the nature requests. This study explored experiences patients' for self-disclosure. Four questions were: (1) What types do patients ask invite self-disclosure?; (2) Do pregnant have unique with requests?; (3) How typically respond (4) strategies effective ineffective responding requests? One hundred seventy-six completed an online survey 40 also participated telephone interviews. Inductive analysis 21 interviews revealed vary, although about counselor demographics most common, likely their personal pregnancy decisions. Participants reported greater discomfort during pregnancy, yet disclosing frequently pregnancy. Counselor included self-disclosure, professional redirection, declining disclose. Factors perceived as influencing included: topic, motivations, timing request, quality relationship, characteristics, ethical/legal responsibilities. Disclosure practices changed over time counselors. Additional findings, practice implications, recommendations discussed.