It was observed that respondents frequently grouped together themes of privacy, confidentiality, stigma, and family involvement in research. Because genetic research usually involves family members either indirectly through proband reports or directly though their participation, the potential for stigma and shame associated with “mental illness in the family” may be exaggerated in genetic studies compared to other forms of health research (Biesecker & Peay, 2003). This is consistent with Schnittker and colleagues’ finding (2000) that among Blacks, “family upbringing” correlated more strongly with “genetic factors,” than with other environmental factors as a cause of mental illness.
