Leventhal's common sense model of self-regulation highlights how specific beliefs about illness influence psychological outcomes. Little is known on how such beliefs relate to BRCA1/2 adjustment. Furthermore, beliefs about one's self-concept may be relevant to genetic conditions and may relate to psychological wellbeing.

Methods

One-hundred and eighteen female BRCA1/2 carriers from an Irish University Hospital completed questionnaires for this cross-sectional study. Outcomes measured were state anxiety and physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Explanatory variables included sociodemographics, health anxiety, illness perceptions, coping and self-concept. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Then, 44% of participants had clinically significant state anxiety and 12% had clinically significant health anxiety. Vulnerability, stigma, mastery and health anxiety explained 42% of the variance in state anxiety. Previous mental health difficulty, vulnerability, stigma, mastery and health anxiety explained 40% of the variance in mental HRQOL. Dysfunctional coping strategies were strongly related to the physical functioning aspect of quality of life.

Conclusion

BRCA-specific beliefs related to self and health anxiety are important factors to consider in the adjustment to BRCA1/2 confirmation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in [OSF] at http://doi.org/[doi], reference number [10.17605/OSF.IO/52BTZ].

Supporting Information

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Citing Literature

Volume29, Issue10

October 2020

Pages 1638-1645

Self-concept and health anxiety relate to psychological outcomes for BRCA1/2 carriers

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

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Self-concept and health anxiety relate to psychological outcomes for BRCA1/2 carriers

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Open Research

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Supporting Information

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Related

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