Introduction

What is ethical behaviour when it comes to consulting vulnerable, mentally distressed people, like the woman quoted above, about their experiences of psychiatric care? This question became a source of dispute with a Research Ethics Committee (REC) in my own Scottish study of women with mental health problems, who had survived childhood sexual abuse (Nelson, 2001). Issues about research participants’ freedom of choice, the independence of social researchers and gaps in understanding between the worlds of social and medical research have relevance that goes beyond this particular study.

This chapter highlights my experiences as a researcher within the Beyond Trauma project, in order to examine the ethical issues that arise within the ethical governance process in more detail. By considering a specific example, this chapter reflects on the governance process from the social researchers, professionals’ and participants’ perspectives. This chapter also considers the impact that REC decisions have on research, knowledge and services.

The qualitative Beyond Trauma research project had the practical aim of improving mental health services for female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It explored their experiences of services, and their views on how these might be improved. It also consulted mental health professionals and voluntary sector agencies working with survivors for their perspectives on the issue. Six months into the study, the local REC suspended its approval of the project, putting the survival of the project at risk.