Research study seeking multiple family members’ perspectives on the impact of unexpected Direct-To-Consumer paternal DNA discovery

A research team led by Michele Grethel, Ph.D., LSCW (University of Southern California’s School of Social Work) is enrolling participants in the Family Ancestry Identity Research (FAIR) 360º research study.  This study seeks to understand how individuals in families are impacted by the discovery of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic results of unexpected paternity results.

Researchers request that the interested participant (s) meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the study:

●      You have experienced unexpected DTC genetic discovery of misattributed paternity (e.g., NPE, DC, or LDA*). You could gather at least three family members willing to be interviewed on how your DNA discovery has impacted each of you, or,

●      You are a mother, who raised a child who discovered DTC genetic misattributed paternity (e.g., NPE, DC, or LDA.).

●      You are a paternal parent (genetically related paternal parent, a father who raised a child, etc.) whose child discovered DTC genetic misattributed paternity (e.g., NPE, DC, or LDA.).

●      You are a sibling (raised with or a new genetic relative) of an individual who discovered DTC genetic misattributed paternity (e.g., NPE, DC, or LDA).

●      You have experienced unexpected misattributed paternity after DTC DNA testing (DC, NPE, or LDA).

*Not-Parent Expected, NPE; Unknown Donor Conceived, DC; or Late Discovery Adoption, LDA

Participation is voluntary. If you agree, you will be asked to be interviewed on the phone. The study procedures are anticipated to take between 60 and 90 minutes. Privacy and confidentiality of research participants will be ensured, as holds for any IRB-approved research.

If you have questions or want to participate, please get in touch with the study lead at mgrethel@usc.edu or 917-797-5608.

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