Researchers study how DNA tests upend Mormon families with surprise relatives
September 18, 2026 at 2:02 PM MT · via Religion News Service · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
Religion News Service reports that two Latter-day Saint researchers are studying how families cope when DNA testing reveals unexpected relatives — a phenomenon that has become increasingly common with services like Ancestry.com and 23andMe.
The researchers want to understand the psychological and relational impacts when DNA tests uncover family secrets, including previously unknown siblings, non-paternity events, and hidden adoptions. The study focuses particularly on how religious families navigate these revelations.
Latter-day Saints have been especially active users of DNA testing services, driven by the Church's emphasis on genealogy and family history work. The researchers are seeking participants who have experienced significant family discoveries through DNA testing.
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