Genetic Invincibility Effects and Alcohol Use Disorder: When Negative DNA Test Results Lead to False Reassurance

Detecting genetic health risks is clinically beneficial. Yet, this study found that upon learning that they lacked a genetic predisposition for alcoholism, participants took the symptoms of alcoholism less seriously. Educational materials similar to those from genetic-testing companies to counteract this false reassurance were effective among non-problem-drinkers, but not problem-drinkers.