Psychological Factors Associated with Genetic Test Decision-making among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Taiwan

Making decisions to undergo Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) genetic testing can be challenging. It is important to understand how the perceptions of affected individuals might influence testing decision-making. Although evidence has shown that psychological factors are important in predicting testing decisions, affect-type variables have been largely ignored among well-established health theories. Using questionnaires, we examined genetic testing decision-making among 444 parents of children with ASD in Taiwan. The largest predictor of intention was anxiety (β=.46, p<.0001) followed by fear/guilt (β=-.041, p<.000). Attitudes did not predict intention. Affect-type variables should be considered in genetic testing decision making theory, research, and practice.