Citation

Decker SE, Naugle AE, Carter-Visscher RM, Bell K, Seifert A. J. Empir. Res. Hum. Res. Ethics 2011; 6(3): 55-64.

Affiliation

Western Michigan University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, University of California Press)

DOI

10.1525/jer.2011.6.3.55

PMID

21931238

Abstract

While many studies ask participants to disclose sensitive information or to participate in emotionally arousing tasks, little is known about participants' subjective experiences of discomfort and benefit. Ethics review committees, therefore, have little information about participant experiences to guide their informed decisionmaking. We asked undergraduate females about their experiences in a study that included an experimental session, interviews, and self-report measures on sensitive topics. We examined results overall, and compared the responses of individuals with and without childhood abuse experiences. Participants who had experienced child abuse were more likely to report distress due to remembering the past, but also more likely to report that participation was helpful. Implications for future research, and recommendations for review boards, are discussed.

Language: en