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Am I My Genes? Perceived Genetic Etiology, Intrapersonal Processes, and Health
Author(s) -
Cheung Benjamin Y.,
DarNimrod Ilan,
Gonsalkorale Karen
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
social and personality psychology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.699
H-Index - 53
ISSN - 1751-9004
DOI - 10.1111/spc3.12138
Subject(s) - intrapersonal communication , popularity , psychology , essentialism , certainty , social psychology , identity (music) , domain (mathematical analysis) , interpersonal communication , developmental psychology , epistemology , mathematical analysis , philosophy , physics , mathematics , acoustics
With the increasing popularity and affordability of DNA sequencing through direct‐to‐consumer DNA sequencing services, it has become apparent that researchers need to understand how the results of sequencing one's DNA affects consumers psychologically and behaviorally. In this paper, the authors discuss several intrapersonal processes that may impact how learning about our own genetic predispositions affects us. In particular, this paper sets out to identify the interplay between three relevant perspectives: genetic essentialist biases, perceived identity, and need for certainty. These interrelated perspectives and the empirical research that supports relevant underlying predictions provide a useful basis from which researchers can further identify testable hypotheses on these intrapersonal perceived genetics effects. Such research has potential far‐reaching implications, not the least of which are in the health domain.