Does the 5 factor personality model predict engagement with, and response to, direct-to- consumer genetic testing?

Recently, the use of genetic testing to determine an individual’s predisposition to psychological disorders has increased. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing now enables individuals to order and receive genetic information directly. We explored the effects of personality traits (using the 5-factor model) on attitudes and emotional response towards DTC testing, intentions to seek medical advice, and intentions of behavioural change. A total of 177 participants completed the online survey (males; 26; females; 148, other; 3; between 18 and 68 years of age, M =32.20, SD =14.94). Hypothesis 1 was not supported as opennessto-experience and conscientiousness were not positively associated with attitudes, although extraversion and neuroticism were positively associated. Hypothesis 2 was not supported as neuroticism and conscientiousness were not positively associated with emotional responses. Contrary to hypothesis 3, conscientiousness and agreeableness did not predict intention to seek medical advice, however neuroticism was a significant predictor. Hypothesis 4 was not supported as no personality traits predicted intention to make behavioural changes. This is the first study to investigate this area, and the results suggest that neuroticism and extraversion are significant predictors of individuals’ attitudes and response to direct-to-consumer genetic testing for psychological disorders