Non-maleficence

Definition

Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that obligates individuals to not inflict harm intentionally. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could cause physical, emotional, or psychological injury to others, particularly in contexts involving vulnerable populations. This principle is vital in upholding the rights of subjects, ensuring their well-being and protecting them from potential exploitation or harm during research and other interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-maleficence is a core principle in medical ethics, highlighting the responsibility of practitioners to avoid causing harm to patients.
2. In research contexts, non-maleficence requires researchers to assess and minimize potential risks associated with their studies.
3. This principle is essential for building trust between researchers and participants, ensuring that subjects feel safe and respected.
4. Non-maleficence is often balanced with beneficence; while researchers aim to do good through their studies, they must also ensure that no harm comes to participants.
5. Violations of non-maleficence can lead to serious ethical violations, including exploitation, abuse, or neglect of vulnerable populations involved in research.

Review Questions

• How does non-maleficence influence the ethical considerations researchers must take into account when designing a study?
  • Non-maleficence directly influences researchers by requiring them to carefully evaluate potential risks to participants before conducting a study. This means they must implement strategies to minimize any possible harm that could arise during the research process. Researchers are ethically obligated to ensure that their methods do not expose subjects to unnecessary risks or discomfort, creating an environment where participants feel secure and respected throughout the research.
• Discuss the relationship between non-maleficence and informed consent in protecting participant rights.
  • The relationship between non-maleficence and informed consent is crucial for protecting participant rights. Informed consent ensures that individuals are fully aware of the risks involved in a study before agreeing to participate. By adhering to the principle of non-maleficence, researchers must communicate potential harms clearly so that participants can make informed decisions about their involvement. This protects subjects from unexpected risks and ensures that they retain autonomy over their choices regarding participation.
• Evaluate the implications of failing to adhere to non-maleficence in research involving vulnerable populations.
  • Failing to adhere to non-maleficence in research involving vulnerable populations can have severe implications. It can lead to exploitation and harm, undermining the trust between researchers and communities. Such violations can result in psychological trauma or physical injury for participants who may lack the resources or knowledge to protect themselves. Ultimately, neglecting this principle not only jeopardizes individual well-being but also damages the credibility of the research field and hinders future studies by creating fear and skepticism among potential subjects.

Related terms

Beneficence:

The ethical principle that focuses on promoting good and taking actions that benefit others, often considered alongside non-maleficence.

Autonomy:

The right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and bodies, which is closely linked to informed consent.

Informed Consent:

The process by which participants are provided with adequate information regarding a study's purpose, risks, and benefits, allowing them to voluntarily decide whether to participate.