Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Emotional distress refers to significant psychological discomfort, negative feelings, anxiety, or unease experienced by participants during or as a result of their participation in research studies.
Intentionally misleading participants about the true purpose or procedures of a study, which may lead to emotional distress if not properly handled through debriefing.
Ensuring that participants' personal information and data are kept private and secure to protect their identities and prevent potential harm.
Risk-Benefit Analysis: Evaluating potential risks against potential benefits before conducting a study to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential harm to participants.