Award Date

1-1-2003

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Committee Member

Murray G. Millar

Number of Pages

71

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that carrier status has little effect on self-concept. However, rather than examine autosomal recessive illnesses, wherein genetic responsibility is shared by both parents, the present study samples women at risk of being sole carriers of an X-linked hereditary disorder, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Previous research most often assessed global self-esteem, thus problems in particular domains (such as future parental role or desirability as a mate) have generally been overlooked. Herein, a stigmatizing process is hypothesized whereby one aspect of the self, genetic identity, may be spoiled through a diminished sense of worthiness to reproduce. Family attitudes toward risk, how important bearing "her own" biological children is to the woman, how many social roles she currently enacts, whether she has had genetic testing or genetic counseling, and whether she has utilized follow-up counseling to aid in coming to terms with her carrier status, may moderate stigmatization.

Keywords

Carrier; Disorders; Hereditary; Impact; Psychological; Status

Controlled Subject

Social psychology; Genetics; Women's studies; Clinical psychology

File Format

pdf

File Size

3706.88 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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