Exploring Public Perceptions of Genetic Risk in Substance Use Disorders

Author

• Brooke A. GoodenowFollow

Date of Award

8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Healthcare Genetics

Committee Chair/Advisor

Dr. Kendra Allison

Committee Member

Dr. Tracy Brock Lowe

Committee Member

Dr. Sarah Ramsay

Committee Member

Dr. Enamul Kabir

Abstract

This dissertation examines genetic risk perception, with specific emphasis on substance use disorders (SUDs), through a collection of three manuscripts. The dissertation examines genetic risk perception for hereditary diseases in existing literature, describes a methodological framework for capturing genetic risk perception across social media discourse, and identifies themes and emotional tone associated with genetic risk perception for SUDs across two major social media platforms (X and Reddit).

Combined, these three manuscripts expand and support previous findings about genetic risk perception and its role in shaping health beliefs and associated behaviors. The dissertation findings reveal numerous similarities in genetic risk perception themes across well-studied hereditary diseases (e.g., cancer) and SUDs, while also identifying unique themes specific to genetic risk for SUDs. Similarities and differences in genetic risk perception will yield initial findings to inform future work on education and health communication strategies. The findings also support the need for further research on genetic risk perception and understanding, as this directly impacts health behaviors, specifically substance use and treatment-seeking behaviors in the context of SUDs. The dissertation’s focus on genetic risk perception for SUDs is appropriate and applicable, as SUD trends indicate a significant and complex public health challenge.  There is a need to create relevant and tailored messaging to the population of individuals impacted by and at risk for SUDs. Development of these materials would benefit from insights directly gleaned from this population, addressing common misconceptions and misinformation regarding genetic risk for SUDs. The use of the Health Belief Model as a guide for health communication will assist researchers and practitioners in addressing genetic risk perceptions in the context of SUDs, which ultimately shape health beliefs and consequent behaviors.

Recommended Citation

Goodenow, Brooke A., "Exploring Public Perceptions of Genetic Risk in Substance Use Disorders" (2026). All Dissertations. 4387.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4387