The psychological paradigm shift in genetic counseling

The shift to a more psychological paradigm has important philosophical and practical implications, and some of these are discussed around the issues of genetic education, communication, decision‐making, and the provision of supportive counseling.

Abstract

Abstract The history of genetic counseling can be organized around three different paradigms: eugenics, preventive medicine, and psychologic medicine. Each paradigm is based on a differing set of beliefs and assumptions regarding the goals, principles, and practices of genetic counseling. The emergence of a more psychologically‐oriented genetic counseling has resulted, in part, from an awareness of difficulties in achieving the goals of the other paradigms and a realization of the psychosocial nature of genetic disorders and of the genetic counseling process. The shift to a more psychological paradigm has important philosophical and practical implications, and some of these are discussed around the issues of genetic education, communication, decision‐making, and the provision of supportive counseling.