Beneficence

Definition

Beneficence is the ethical principle of acting for the benefit of others, promoting good, and preventing harm. In the context of research and interaction with individuals, it emphasizes the responsibility of researchers and storytellers to prioritize the well-being of their subjects and audiences, ensuring that their actions contribute positively to their lives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Beneficence involves not only doing good but also considering the potential impacts of storytelling on individuals and communities.
2. This principle requires researchers to actively promote positive outcomes while minimizing risks during interviews and representation.
3. Informed consent is an essential part of beneficence, as it ensures that participants understand how their contributions will be used and the potential implications.
4. Beneficence extends to ongoing support and follow-up after research or storytelling, helping to ensure that individuals continue to benefit from their involvement.
5. The ethical obligation of beneficence often calls for a balance between the interests of the researcher and the welfare of the participants.

Review Questions

• How does beneficence influence the way researchers approach interviews with participants?
  • Beneficence plays a crucial role in shaping researchers' approaches to interviews by ensuring they prioritize the well-being of participants. This means that researchers must create a safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their stories. They must also actively consider how the information gathered can lead to positive outcomes for those involved, ultimately fostering trust and enhancing the quality of data collected.
• Discuss the relationship between beneficence and informed consent in ethical research practices.
  • The relationship between beneficence and informed consent is foundational in ethical research practices. Informed consent ensures that participants are fully aware of what participation entails, including any potential risks or benefits. By obtaining informed consent, researchers demonstrate their commitment to beneficence, as they respect participants' autonomy while also taking responsibility for promoting their welfare throughout the research process.
• Evaluate the implications of failing to adhere to beneficence in storytelling and research practices.
  • Failing to adhere to beneficence can have serious implications in storytelling and research practices, leading to potential harm for participants and communities. If researchers prioritize their interests over the welfare of subjects, it may result in misrepresentation or exploitation. This not only damages trust between researchers and communities but can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes or narratives that affect those represented negatively. Ultimately, neglecting beneficence undermines the integrity of research and storytelling as tools for positive change.

Related terms

Nonmaleficence: The ethical principle that obligates individuals to avoid causing harm to others.

Informed Consent: The process of providing potential research participants with all necessary information to make an educated decision about their involvement in a study.

Ethical Representation: The practice of presenting individuals and communities accurately and respectfully, ensuring their voices are heard and their dignity is maintained.