Reactions to Laboratory-Based Trauma Research in a Sample of Incarcerated Women. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lawyer, Steven R.; Smith, Kathleen; Thomas, Beena; Pemberton, Shelby
• Is Part Of: Journal of empirical research on human research ethics. Volume 17:Number 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: research ethics -- behavioral social science research -- informed consent -- psychology -- research ethics committee/Institutional Review Board review -- vulnerable populations -- prisoners; Medical ethics -- Research -- Periodicals; Research -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 174.205
• DOI: 10.1177/15562646211043632
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-2646

Abstract

An evidence-based approach to research ethics is critical to ethical research but little is known about how trauma survivors—especially those from vulnerable populations—respond to laboratory-based trauma research. One hundred four incarcerated women ( N = 64 rape survivors) reported their traumatic life experiences, listened to and responded to an audio recording of a dating interaction that culminates in a completed rape, and then reported their responses to their participation. Compared to the control group ( N = 40), rape survivors ( N = 64) had more posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and these symptoms were associated with more emotional responding. Both groups showed a positive benefit–cost ratio with regard to their participation did not differ on their overall reactions to research participation. These findings suggest that laboratory-based trauma research methods are associated with consistently positive experiences, which can help inform researchers and institutional review boards about the risks and benefits of such research.