Any time that our research involves some level of risk, it is our ethical obligation to try to reduce the risk or address any harm experienced by participants in the study. Wherever possible, we try to prevent discomfort for our research participants. When that is not possible because of the nature of what we are studying, we must try to alleviate any distress after it has occurred.

For example, in our survey study of stress and coping, we might prevent emotional discomfort by choosing an instrument that addresses daily hassles and mild stressors rather than more extreme events. This would change the question, though, from coping with all types of stressors to coping with everyday problems. You might also tell the participant before the study begins that you will ask questions about a wide range of stressors, including major life events.

Participants who might become distressed by the study can then choose not to participate, thereby preventing emotional discomfort. There might be no way to prevent discomfort with the original question as a small segment of the population will experience major stressors.