An associate professor of psychiatry at McGill University is studying the psychosocial experiences of Canadians who receive surprising news from ancestry DNA tests, specifically “not parent expected” events, which is when someone who is presumed to be an individual’s parent is not in fact the biological mother or father.
Photo: McGill University.
Dr. Robert Whitley told CTV News that many people test their DNA to learn more about their heritage and connect with distant cousins.
While some people welcome the information they find in their DNA results and the matches they find, others may learn their parent is not actually biologically related to them, which Dr. Whitley said can impact their mental health long term.
There is currently no concrete guidance for psychologists and therapists on how to help with “not parent expected” events, which Dr. Whitley added is concerning as the popularity in DNA tests increases and more counsellors are faced with such cases.
The goal of the study is to develop resources, such as new therapies and self-care programs, for people who have experienced emotional upheaval as a result of testing their DNA.
For the research, Dr. Whitey wants to interview about 50 Canadians by the end of this year, and then in 2023, use the findings to help create targeted therapies and resources. Those who have received surprising news about their parentage from a genealogical DNA test and want to be a part of the study can email Mr. Whitley at robert.whitley@mcgill.ca.
Read more about the study in the CTV News report and the statements Ancestry and 23andMe emailed to the journalist.
