Having a family member with AATD or COPD was associated with greater ambiguity, while participation in support groups/educational meetings was associated with less ambiguity. Leaders of support groups and educational meetings may guide interactions in the group to ensure that accurate medical information is clearly conveyed, which serves to decrease ambiguity for participants. In contrast, family members with the same illness may share inaccurate or conflicting medical information, have a difficult time supporting other
patients in their family, or discuss personal experiences that serve to increase ambiguity. Future research should examine the quality of support and information provided by family members and support groups to better understand the current findings.