Ethical considerations of qualitative non-therapeutic research on people with obsessive–compulsive disorder: an overview

Abeer Ali A Hakami

doi:10.12688/f1000research.73530.1

Abstract

Introduction: This paper discusses the ethical considerations involved in conducting qualitative non-therapeutic research on people suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), a topic covered in few, if any, prior studies. Methods: The study summarizes in depth the existing literature on ethical aspects of conducting qualitative and nursing research with psychiatric patients. It constructs an overview of the most important points that should be taken into account when conducting non-therapeutic qualitative research on individuals with this disorder. Results: This paper draws attention to three ethical considerations: (1) informed consent; (2) OCD sufferer’s competence to give consent; and (3) aspects of the relationship that arises between the researcher and participant. Conclusions: This paper argues that those with OCD remain capable of giving consent, notwithstanding the continuing debates around their cognitive condition. It also provides an informative overview of aspects concerning their competence and insight, and suggests precautions to be followed when conducting interviews, paying attention to several factors that may determine the nature of the interview. Keywords: qualitative research, non-therapeutic research, ethical considerations, obsessive–compulsive disorder.

Highlights

This paper discusses the ethical considerations involved in conducting qualitative non-therapeutic research on people suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), a topic covered in few, if any, prior studies
The author borrowed from the following ethical guidelines outlined in various scientific journals specializing in the ethics of non-therapeutic scientific studies on people with mental and psychological disorders: (1) the relationship between a researcher who does not specialize in mental illnesses and the patient; (2) the cognitive abilities of patients with mental disorders; (3) and the patient’s ability to independently decide to participate in nontherapeutic qualitative research
The literature is saturated with the needed information on ethical guidelines and measurements, studies focusing on conducting qualitative research on people with OCD need further attention to uncover undiscovered aspects of scientific research in the lives of people with OCD

Summary

Introduction

This paper discusses the ethical considerations involved in conducting qualitative non-therapeutic research on people suffering from obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), a topic covered in few, if any, prior studies. In some qualitative linguistic research, these difficulties seem to lack any sufficient discussion and explanation (O’Neill, 1999; Knapton, 2016; Knapton, 2018; Ghahari et al, 2017) These studies have focused on examining various linguistic aspects and conceptual entities affected by the disorder, they failed to mention how the disclosure of obsessive thoughts may be directly affected by the social environment of the patient, and how these social factors may affect the participants and negatively worsen their condition. They were not able to discuss how the OCD patients were made to feel safe and which methods were employed to get these individuals to participate in the studies in the first place

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion