Case study 2 primarily involves traumatic childhood experiences and the effect on interpersonal relationships in adulthood. A total of thirty participants that had been incarcerated in a correctional facility were chosen using random sampling to complete a detailed questionnaire including personal demographics and different types of trauma that affected their present interpersonal behaviors. Although trauma in childhood has been found in other studies to increase the risk for violence and aggressive behaviors in adulthood, this case study, however, did not produce enough evidence to determine conclusiveness.

Risk and Benefit of case study 2

One major societal risk for this case study is that it provides subjective data, but not enough objective information for the interviewers. Participants’ lack of supportive data (documented abuse) will make it hard for the interviewers to understand and explain the correlation between childhood trauma and aggressive interpersonal relationship in adults because information may be exaggerated. Participants may be at risk for emotional/psychological discomfort when opening up about past trauma that may lead to regression. This, in turn, will put the researcher in danger of facing aggression from the participant. The researchers may become the target of abuse depending on the participants’ level of anxiety and emotional stress. According to the report “Investigators should design their research studies to minimize these risks and should consult with representatives of relevant groups regarding study design (NBAC 1999b)”.

Despite the psychological impact of childhood trauma, the goal of the research is to develop information that will benefit society. Providing good coping skills will help individuals to manage his or her emotions and to express their feelings in a positive way. We can encourage participants to report any emotional distress during face to face interviews. We can also reach out to children and vulnerable people on our job sites and across the communities including schools, and prisons. The researcher’s approach is vital. It is important to develop a good rapport with the interviewee. The results will help us to have a better understanding of how childhood trauma impacts interpersonal relationships in adulthood.

Under 46.111  Criteria for IRB approval of research. (1) All requirements are satisfied and risks are minimized. Because these participants are vulnerable prisoners, protection of human subject are implemented to provides protection to both investigators and participants. Under eCFR 46.111 # (3) ” Selection of subjects is equitable. In making this assessment the IRB should take into account the purposes or the research and the setting in which the research will be conducted. The IRB should be particularly cognizant of the special problem of research that involves a category of subjects who are vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as children, prisoners, individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons”.

After reviewing John Carroll University IRB policies, a full board review is what I believe would be the best recommendation. According to the policy; Criteria for IRB Approval of Research 45CFR46.111 “when some or all of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as children, prisoners, individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons, additional safeguards have been included in the study to protect the rights and welfare of these subjects”.

References

Chapter 4: Assessing Risks and Potential Benefits and Evaluating Vulnerability (Research Involving Human Participants V1). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.onlineethics.org/cms/8033.aspx

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Past trauma may haunt your future health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/past-trauma-may-haunt-your-future-health

Riggs, S. A. (n.d.). Childhood Emotional Abuse and the Attachment System Across the Life Cycle: What Theory and Research Tell Us. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10926770903475968

STEP ONE: Before You Begin: INVESTIGATORS’ GUIDE. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jcu.edu/research/irb/investigators-guide/step-one-you-begin