Research involving interviews with individuals who have experienced traumatic events: Some guidelines

Abstract

At present very few guidelines exist in relation to how research involving human subjects who have experienced traumatic events should be conducted. This article concentrates on the ethical dilemmas arising from interview based research with individuals who have experience traumatic events. The author sets out a scenario which raises the possibility of psychological harm as well as therapeutic misconception. This scenario provides the basis for an examination of the ethical principles relating to non‐therapeutic research as well as an exploration of some of the questions raise by the blurring of the boundaries between therapeutic and non‐therapeutic research which may occur in interview base..