Date of Graduation
5-2016
Document Type
Thesis (MS)
Program Affiliation
Genetic Counseling
Degree Name
Masters of Science (MS)
Advisor/Committee Chair
S. Shahrukh Hashmi, MD, MPH, PhD
Committee Member
Sarah H. Elsea, PhD
Committee Member
Claire N. Singletary, MS, CGC
Committee Member
Alix D’Angelo, MGC, CGC
Committee Member
Joanne Nguyen, MD
Committee Member
Myla Ashfaq, MS, CGC
Abstract
Historically, medical photographs are used to demonstrate dysmorphic features and characteristic presentations of genetic conditions. Traditional, pictorial depictions of genetic conditions typically involve nude subjects against walls to emphasize their features. These stark, black and white photographs may negatively influence students’ perceptions of the depicted individual. Natural photographs which include individuals in non-clinical environments may impact perceptions. To assess the influence of photographs on a viewer’s perception, 649 students from medical, nursing, genetic counseling and dental programs were surveyed in a cross-over study. Students were randomized to view a traditional or a natural photograph of three distinct genetic conditions followed by a natural or a traditional photograph, respectively, of the same conditions. Perceptions of the individual and their quality of life were assessed using Likert scale and yes/no adjective-association questions. Affected individuals were more often associated with positive characteristics (e.g. beautiful, respectful, intelligence, higher quality of life, etc.) when presented in natural settings and negative characteristics (e.g. degrading, institutionalized, humiliating, neglected, etc.) when depicted in traditional photographs (p
Keywords
medical photographs, textbook photographs, perceptions, quality of life, healthcare education, medical education