Sign on the Dotted Line: The Informed Consent Process (ICP) as Induced Compliance¹

Abstract

We investigated the social implications of signing an informed consent form (ICF) on participant behavior. ICF research fails to consider that the decision to participate in research is a process that occurs in a social and cultural context. Understanding the meaning of giving consent in this social context is critical. In separate experiments, we found significantly greater agreement to return to complete a study and persistence at a task in participants who signed the ICF versus those who did not. Signing the ICF may be putting participants at risk of induced compliance with study protocols, rather than empowering them to withhold consent or withdraw. Future research should investigate the psychosocial factors affecting participants' decision making in the informed consent process.

Informed Consent: The Politics of Intent and Practice in Medical Research Ethics

“…Similarly, Williams (2005, p. 54) suggests that "informed consent is serving, not the interests, but rather the self-image of actual and potential research subjects." The physical act of signing a consent form makes participants feel more obliged to continue their participation even when researchers make changes in the protocol and impose greater risk on them (Swan & Collins 2008).…”

BARI-AD: Leitlinien-basiertes Interview als Grundlage psychologischer Stellungnahmen vor einem Adipositas-chirurgischen Eingriff bei Adoleszenten

“…Hierfür empfiehlt sich eine am Klienten orientierte Gesprächsführung d.h. auch ein die Gefühle verbalisierendes Vorgehen (6). Dies wie etwa auch die Verwendung systemischer Fragetechnik fördert die Ehrlichkeit der Angaben (31,41). Im Falle von psychischen Störungen, welche die Lebensstiländerung negativ beeinflussen könnten, soll den Patienten nicht der Zugang zur Operation prinzipiell verweigert, sondern die Notwendigkeit von Unterstützung dargelegt und prä-und/oder postoperativ bindend vorgeschrieben werden.…”