Ethical issues in conducting psychological research in pediatric population

Dr. Vishal Shrishail Kudagi; Dr. Shruti Shivakumar; Dr. Harsha Raj B S; Anitha Subbappa

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2020

Ethical issues in conducting psychological research in pediatric population

Dr. Vishal Shrishail Kudagi, Dr. Shruti Shivakumar, Dr. Harsha Raj B S, Anitha Subbappa

Abstract :

There has always been a strong correlation between childhood behavior and experiences and adult psychological well–being. Therefore, children are used in psychological research in order to gain better understanding of functioning and development of human mind. However, children are more vulnerable to psychological harm than adults and lack ability in decision making processes. This makes conducting psychological research in pediatric population challenging especially in relation to the ethical aspect of the study. The researcher must take the moral responsibility to understand various issues regarding ethical consent in children and protect the confidentiality of the study. Researchers should respect the rights and dignity of the children participating and emphasize on efficient communication that can help go a long way in successful research outcomes. Being sensitive to the potential impact of the study�s interventions and minimizing the effects is very important. There should also be a zero tolerance approach to any kind of deception in the psychological study. Our presentation aims to revisit and discuss these sensitive issues when conducting psychological research in children which can guide researchers to design the study keeping the privacy and interests of the child as paramount.