Non-maleficence

Definition

Non-maleficence is an ethical principle that asserts the obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. It emphasizes the responsibility to avoid causing physical, psychological, or emotional damage to individuals, especially in sensitive contexts like research involving human subjects. This principle is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity in research practices, particularly when confidentiality and anonymity are at stake.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-maleficence is a fundamental principle in research ethics that aims to protect participants from harm.
2. Researchers must carefully consider potential risks when designing studies to ensure that they do not cause any unnecessary distress or injury.
3. Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity helps uphold non-maleficence by safeguarding participants' personal information and reducing the risk of harm.
4. Violating non-maleficence can lead to serious consequences, including loss of trust in the research community and potential legal repercussions.
5. Ethical review boards often assess studies for adherence to non-maleficence as part of the approval process to protect participants' well-being.

Review Questions

• How does non-maleficence influence the design and conduct of research involving human subjects?
  • Non-maleficence significantly influences research design by requiring researchers to identify and minimize potential risks to participants. This means ensuring that the benefits of the research outweigh any possible harm. Researchers must also implement safeguards, such as maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent, to protect individuals from harm throughout the study.
• In what ways does maintaining confidentiality contribute to the principle of non-maleficence in research?
  • Maintaining confidentiality directly supports non-maleficence by ensuring that sensitive information about participants is not disclosed without consent. When researchers protect participants' identities and personal data, they reduce the risk of psychological or social harm that could arise from breaches of privacy. This fosters a safe environment for participants to share honest responses, thereby aligning with the ethical obligation to avoid harm.
• Evaluate the potential consequences when researchers fail to adhere to the principle of non-maleficence in their studies.
  • Failing to adhere to non-maleficence can have serious repercussions for both participants and researchers. Participants may suffer from physical, psychological, or emotional harm if their rights are not protected. For researchers, such violations can lead to loss of credibility, disciplinary actions, or legal consequences. Moreover, it undermines public trust in research practices as a whole, which can deter individuals from participating in future studies and hinder advancements in knowledge.

Related terms

Beneficence:

The ethical principle of acting in the best interest of others, promoting good and providing benefits while minimizing harm.

Informed Consent:

The process of obtaining voluntary agreement from participants after providing them with all necessary information about a study's purpose, risks, and benefits.

Privacy: The right of individuals to control access to their personal information and to keep their identities confidential in various situations.