Adoptees, donor-conceived individuals, and other NPEs have a rare opportunity to contribute to research
Researchers at the University of British Columbia’s Center for Health and Coping Studies in the department of psychology are exploring individuals’ motivations for taking DNA tests and the impact of the results.
People take DNA tests for a host of reasons, from wanting to know their ethnic backgrounds to a desire to augment their genealogical research. Increasingly often, however, individuals take direct-to-consumer DNA tests as part of an effort to discover and connect with their biological families. With these discoveries and connections often come emotional repercussions and significant challenges.
Adoptees, donor-conceived individuals, and other NPEs (not parent expected) rarely have an opportunity to contribute to research about issues that matter to them, but now they can make a difference. Researchers are seeking individuals who will participate in the UBC Genetic Connections Study by taking a survey. Although the survey is not limited to NPEs, with their contributions it could help shed light on the reverberations of learning about family secrets and increase awareness about the difficulties that can arise after one takes a DNA test. It might also answer a question that dogs virtually all testers who reach out to their DNA matches: “Why don’t they answer?” Becoming aware of others’ motivations for testing may go a long way toward understanding their behavior.
According to the study’s website, “The UBC Genetic Connection study is looking for individuals who are considering purchasing or have already purchased but not yet seen the results of a genetic test kit. The study involves completing two anonymous surveys, one before and one after receiving your genetic test results.” And if you’ve already taken a DNA test and received results, it’s still possible to contribute. While the study focuses on those in the process of testing, there’s an option in the survey to indicate that you’ve already received results.
Dr. Anita DeLongis is principal investigator of the study and Talia Morstead and Jason Zheng are co-investigators. The goal of their research is to “capture the numerous social and individual factors that go into the decision to pursue at-home genetic testing as well as the impact of receiving genetic test results.” According to Morstead, who’s also the study coordinator, one of her main interests is to look at how DNA test findings affect personal relationships.
If you meet the study criteria and would like to participate, you can find more information and a link to the first survey at the study’s website. Share your experience!