Disclosing a Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis to a Dating Partner

Study Summary

This study will examine the experience of disclosing a cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis to a dating partner. CF has implications for potential life partners (issues of fertility, decreased life span and an increasing need for medical management with age) that may make disclosure particularly sensitive. An understanding of the disclosure process may provide insight into ways health care practitioners can support their patients during this process. People between 21 and 35 years of age with CF who have been in at least one dating relationship may be eligible for this study. Participants are interviewed by telephone about their experiences living with cystic fibrosis and telling dating partners about their diagnosis. The interview includes questions about: * Past experiences disclosing their CF diagnosis to a dating partner * What information was disclosed versus what was not disclosed * Why certain information was disclosed or not disclosed * Positive and negative implications of the disclosure or non-disclosure The interview lasts about 60 minutes and is tape-recorded for later review and analysis.