|
FIELD OF EXPERTISE
- Clinical psychology
- Onco-psychology
- Genetic counseling
PROJECTS
Background
My research focuses on the psychosocial dynamics of genetic testing for cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) in children and is part of the multidisciplinary “DHECIPR” project.
Preliminary studies reveal that genetic testing in pediatric oncology is of great interest to families. While there is a good deal of information available on the psychosocial impact of childhood cancer on the one hand, and on the psychosocial impact of adult late onset hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., HBOC and Lynch syndrome) on the other hand, there is only limited data available on the psychosocial impact of hereditary cancer syndromes in children. As genetic testing has potential implications for both patients and their family members (parents, siblings), we involve the perspectives of the entire family system in this study.
Aim
We examine
• the decision making process regarding genetic testing (I.e., the uptake of and reasons for (not) undergoing genetic testing)
• the psychosocial dynamics of CPSs among children and their family members
• the perceived need for professional psychosocial support in the genetic testing process
• the knowledge about genetics among families with a CPS and how this affects the advice given, uptake of and experience with regular surveillance for CPSs
Strategy
In order to fully capture how cancer genetics research influences each of the family members, a multi-method (systematic review, questionnaires, interviews) and multi-informant approach is used.
My research focuses on the psychosocial dynamics of genetic testing for cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) in children and is part of the multidisciplinary “DHECIPR” project.
Preliminary studies reveal that genetic testing in pediatric oncology is of great interest to families. While there is a good deal of information available on the psychosocial impact of childhood cancer on the one hand, and on the psychosocial impact of adult late onset hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g., HBOC and Lynch syndrome) on the other hand, there is only limited data available on the psychosocial impact of hereditary cancer syndromes in children. As genetic testing has potential implications for both patients and their family members (parents, siblings), we involve the perspectives of the entire family system in this study.
Aim
We examine
• the decision making process regarding genetic testing (I.e., the uptake of and reasons for (not) undergoing genetic testing)
• the psychosocial dynamics of CPSs among children and their family members
• the perceived need for professional psychosocial support in the genetic testing process
• the knowledge about genetics among families with a CPS and how this affects the advice given, uptake of and experience with regular surveillance for CPSs
Strategy
In order to fully capture how cancer genetics research influences each of the family members, a multi-method (systematic review, questionnaires, interviews) and multi-informant approach is used.
DEGREES
- Master in Clinical Psychology (Ghent University, 2021)
- Bachelor in Clinical Psychology (Ghent University, 2019)