Online Discussion Effects on Intention to Participate in Genetic Research: A Longitudinal Experimental Study.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The National Human Genome Research Institute has emphasized community engagement and public dialogue in the U. S. on issues related to genetics. This study examines how online discussions among the U.S. public directly or indirectly influence psychosocial constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), including intention to take part in genetic research.

DESIGN:

After completing the baseline questionnaire, participants (n = 3,754) were randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: the discussion group, the pre/post only group, and the End-Of-Project group. The discussion group (n = 1,824) was invited and participated in up to three online discussions, which were held from November 2008 to May 2009.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Behavioral intention, beliefs, attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control variables were assessed.

RESULTS:

The most interesting finding was that those participating in online discussions had fewer negative beliefs about volunteering for genetic research, which in turn, contributed to more positive attitudes, increased injunctive and descriptive norms, and enhanced behavioral control. These relationships, then, were associated with higher intention to participate in genetic research.

CONCLUSION:

These findings suggest that continuous public discussions seem to positively affect volunteer intention for genetic research through ameliorating fears of negative consequences.

KEYWORDS:

Synchronous online discussion; Theory of Planned Behavior; intention to participate in genetic research; longitudinal experimental study; mediation analysis