ethical considerations of studying genes Flashcards
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One ethical consideration in genetics research is confidentiality, which ensures that participants’ personal and genetic data remain private and protected.
Genetic studies often involve sensitive information, such as mental health history and family background, which, if disclosed, could lead to stigma, discrimination, or negative consequences in employment or insurance policies.
study - kendler
One example is Kendler et al. (2006), who investigated the heritability of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a sample of 15,439 Swedish twins.
MDD is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of persistent low mood, insomnia, and cognitive difficulties.
Participants were interviewed via telephone and assessed using DSM-IV criteria, with researchers collecting data on childhood environment, family history, and past treatments for depression.
The study found that MDD was more heritable in women than men and had a higher concordance in monozygotic (identical) twins compared to dizygotic twins.
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Since this study involved highly personal and potentially vulnerable data, confidentiality was crucial in protecting participants from harm.
A breach of confidentiality could result in stigma, discrimination, or mental distress, particularly due to negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness.
For example, an employer accessing an individual’s genetic predisposition to depression could affect job opportunities.
To ensure confidentiality, researchers must anonymize participant data, securely store research findings, and prevent personal information from being linked to individuals.
This highlights why confidentiality is essential in genetic research, as failing to protect participants’ data could lead to significant social and psychological consequences beyond the study itself.
