Date of Award
Fall 12-2014
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Program
Counselor Education
Department
Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Foundations
Major Professor
Dr. Barbara Herlihy
Second Advisor
Dr. Zarus Watson
Third Advisor
Dr. Ann O'Hanlon
Abstract
A narrative qualitative research design was used to understand the stories of young women diagnosed with BRCA1 and BRCA 2 genetic mutation. Four participants were selected who met the following criteria: (a) the participant is diagnosed with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, b) is within the age range of 18 to 35, (c) is without a cancer diagnosis, and is (d) not currently pregnant and does not have children. The four participants were interviewed through open-ended inquiry. The participants’ narratives proved both similar and dissimilar. The themes were organized into within-case narratives and across-case narratives. The narratives revealed that young BRCA previvors face unique challenges and experiences, and many can be viewed from an underlying feminist lens. In response to the research questions, BRCA previvors revealed detailed narratives, explored issues of family planning, and explained the ways in which BRCA has changed their worldviews.
Recommended Citation
Reilly, Drew D., "The Narratives of Young Women with BRCA 1/2 Gene Mutation: A Qualitative Analysis" (2014). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1910.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1910
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.