Research into human genetic aims to determine the influence of genes on behaviour and identify genes involved in diseases and disorders. This kind of research poses risks to participants because there are consequences to knowing that they have a genetic predisposition to a behaviour or disorder that is harmful.
Advantages:
Treatments can be used for babies who have detected diseases to prevent them having them
Special plans and treatments can make sure that the genetic illness has no effect
It can advise and inform you of whether you should have children
Can help you decide financial
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Can eliminate worry about genetic diseases
Disadvantages:
Can cause psychological harm so counselling must be offered
Who should have access to this information?
Ethical considerations:
revelations of carrying genes for genetic conditions
informed consent for genetic research
confidentiality of participants
stigmatisation of individuals on basis of knowledge of genetic conditions
Supporting studies: Money (1974) Caspi et al. (2003)