Aresearcher wishes to study generational differences in coping mechanisms among adults who experienced abuse as children. adequate measures will be instituted to obtain informed consent and ensure that there is no breach of confidentiality. the most likely additional risk is that some subjects may

The most likely additional risk is that some subject may experience emotional or psychological distress.

In the case presented, some subject may experience emotional or psychological distress because it’s re-visiting sad memories. Some of these memories are not pleasant to them and they may find it very difficult to control their emotions while sharing them. This is normal because abuse itself is not a favorable situation. It brings about pains, agony etc.

Psychological distress has to do with unpleasant feelings or emotions that affect an individual level of functioning. The effect of psychological distress in individual limits their activities and thinking. It affects their daily activities. It affects the way an individual views the environment. It creates sadness, anxiety, distractions and sometimes leads to mental problems.

Unpleasant experiences such as dead of a loved one can also cause psychological distress.  Psychological distress also can arise when we an individual is faced with situation that beyond control. Everyday stress can also contribute to psychological distress. Other causes of psychological include divorce, starting a new job, infertility.  

Therefore the researcher needs to be careful when dealing with the subject in the research because interacting with the subject would mean going back to the memories that is not pleasant to them.

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