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Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Published in:

01-10-2012 | Original Article

Avoiding Risk Information About Breast Cancer

Authors: Darya Melnyk, Ph.D., James A. Shepperd, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Background

Learning about personal risk can provide numerous benefits yet people sometimes opt to remain ignorant.

Purpose

Two studies examined the role of perceived control, coping resources, and anticipated regret in women’s decision to avoid breast cancer risk information.

Methods

Women completed a health inventory and then read a brochure about either controllable or uncontrollable predictors of breast cancer, or received no brochure. Participants then received an opportunity to learn their lifetime risk for breast cancer based on their inventory responses.

Results

Reading about controllable predictors of breast cancer reduced avoidance of risk information compared with reading about uncontrollable predictors or receiving no information. In addition, fewer coping resources, anticipated greater regret over seeking breast cancer risk information, and less regret over avoiding breast cancer risk information predicted information avoidance.

Conclusion

Reading about controllable predictors of breast cancer reduces avoidance of breast cancer risk information.

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Title: Avoiding Risk Information About Breast Cancer
Authors: Darya Melnyk, Ph.D.
James A. Shepperd, Ph.D.
Publication date: 01-10-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-012-9382-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Avoiding Risk Information About Breast Cancer

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Aerobic Exercise Is Promoted when Individual Performance Affects the Group: A Test of the Kohler Motivation Gain Effect

Comparing Theories of Health Behavior Using Data from Longitudinal Studies: a Comment on Gerend and Shepherd

You are the Weakest Link, Goodbye (to Physical Inactivity!): A Comment on Irwin et al.