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“I Didn’t Know It Existed Before You Called”: Protestant Clergy Experience, Education and Perceptions Regarding Genetics

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Journal of Genetic Counseling

Abstract

Despite the intrinsic role religious/spiritual (hereafter, R/S) beliefs have in patient clinical decision-making and crisis coping, there is little research exploring the relationship that exists between clergy (professionals who provide R/S counsel and guidance) and genetic counseling patients. This qualitative, exploratory study was designed to explore Protestant clergy (N = 8) perceptions of and experience with genetics-related issues. Data analysis revealed that a wide range of R/S perceptions regarding genetics-related issues exist within Protestantism, Protestant clergy have a basic understanding of genetic testing and conditions, and while directive counseling is inherent to Protestant clergy counseling, there appears to exist two opposing styles: unbiased and biased. Based on this information, there are two main implications for genetic counseling clinical practice. First, R/S assessments need to be increasingly implemented into genetic counseling sessions, so that the psychosocial needs of patients with specific R/S beliefs can be identified and addressed. An increase in R/S assessments may be accomplished by increased exposure in genetic counselor training, continuing education opportunities, and by establishing relationships with board-certified, professional chaplains. Second, genetic counselors can influence the genetic education and experience of clergy by raising awareness within their own R/S assemblies. Doing so can also serve to further educate genetic counselors in the R/S beliefs of their own traditions, thus increasing sensitivity, empathy and the quality of care provided.

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Notes

  1. Genetic conditions, genetic testing, genetic medical management, advances in genetic technology and genetic education

  2. Protestant is defined as any Christian not of a Catholic or Eastern Church. Clergy from Catholic, Mormon and Jehovah’s Witnesses churches were excluded due to fundamental dogmatic and doctrinal differences not in the scope of this study.

  3. African Methodist Evangelical, Assembly of God, Baptist, Church of Christ, Church of God, Church of God In Christ, Disciples of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Episcopal, Friends Meeting, Mennonite, Methodist, Nazarene, Non-Denominational, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian and Wesleyan

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Acknowledgments

A version of this manuscript has been submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master’s in Genetics Counseling, to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. The first author gratefully acknowledges members of the Research Advisory Committee: Daniel Grossoehme, D.Min. (Chair), Judith Ragsdale, Ph.D. and Lisa Vaughn, Ph.D., for their guidance, collaboration and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 3.142, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Jennifer Lemons

  2. Director of Research and Education, Department of Pastoral Care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, MLC 5022, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA

    Judy Ragsdale

  3. Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Kasota 8th floor, 3244 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA

    Lisa Vaughn

  4. Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pastoral Care, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue MLC 2021, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA

    Daniel Grossoehme

  5. 4506 Hidden Springs Dr, Houston, TX, 77025, USA

    Jennifer Lemons

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  1. Jennifer Lemons
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  2. Judy Ragsdale
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  3. Lisa Vaughn
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  4. Daniel Grossoehme
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Correspondence to Jennifer Lemons.

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Lemons, J., Ragsdale, J., Vaughn, L. et al. “I Didn’t Know It Existed Before You Called”: Protestant Clergy Experience, Education and Perceptions Regarding Genetics. J Genet Counsel 22, 226–237 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-012-9538-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-012-9538-2

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