Citation

Lawyer SR, Holcomb BM, Příhodová K. J. Empir. Res. Hum. Res. Ethics 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, University of California Press)

DOI

10.1177/1556264621996102

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ethical implications of laboratory-based experimental trauma research are not well studied. Female rape survivors (N = 62) and controls (N = 79) listened to an audio recording of a sexual assault and completed mental health measures and the Reactions to Research Participation Questionnaire-Revised in the first session and again several weeks later. In the first session, mental health symptoms were associated with stronger emotional reactions and personal benefits from participation. Rape survivors also reported stronger emotional reactions than controls, but also more personal benefits, more satisfaction, and fewer perceived drawbacks from participation. Several weeks later, both groups reported diminished posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and rape survivors' reports of stronger emotional reactions and greater satisfaction with their participation remained significant. Benefit-cost ratios indicate positive responses to participation across groups and time.

FINDINGS suggest significant benefits to laboratory trauma research for participants.

Language: en

Keywords

informed consent; psychology; behavioral social science research; research ethics; research ethics committee/Institutional Review Board review