Attitudes towards genetic testing: analysis of contradictions

A survey study was conducted among 1169 people to evaluate attitudes towards genetic testing in Finland. Here we present an analysis of the contradictions detected in peopleʹs attitudes towards genetic testing. This analysis focuses on the approval of genetic testing as an individual choice and on the confidence in control of the process of genetic testing and its implications. Our analysis indicated that some of the respondents have contradictory attitudes towards genetic testing. It is proposed that contradictory attitudes towards genetic testing should be given greater significance both in scientific studies on attitudes towards genetic testing as well as in the health care context, e.g. in genetic counselling.