Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 48 No. 2 February 2010
By Priscilla Gage Gwyn, PhD, ARNP-BC, OCN; Jessie M. Colin, PhD, RN
Abstract
Individuals who have maladaptive patterns of drinking alcohol fall into
the category of vulnerable research participants for many reasons, not the
least of which includes the stigma often placed on individuals who abuse
alcohol. Vulnerable subgroups within the population of people who abuse alcohol
include women; older adults; incarcerated, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and
mentally ill individuals; as well as people from racial minorities. Thus, as
research participants, individuals who abuse alcohol can be labeled a doubly
vulnerable population. Belonging to more than one population simultaneously
can lead to a compromised ability to protect one’s own interests or
greater susceptibility to harm related to participating in research studies.
Arguments against including people who abuse alcohol as research participants
will be presented, followed by the argument for including these individuals,
which is suggested as the more ethically sound of the two points of view.
AUTHORS
Dr. Gwyn is Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Florida Hospital
College of Health Sciences, Orlando, and Dr. Colin is Professor and Director,
Nursing PhD, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education Programs, Barry
University, Division of Nursing, Miami Shores, Florida.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests
in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this
activity, including research support. The authors acknowledge Rev. Lewis R.
Gwyn, III, and Barry University’s Writing Center for their guidance and
editorial support in preparing the manuscript.
Address correspondence to Priscilla Gage Gwyn, PhD, ARNP-BC, OCN,
Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Florida Hospital College of Health
Sciences, 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803; e-mail: gage.gwyn@fhchs.edu.
Received: March 22, 2009
Accepted: October 5, 2009
Posted: January 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/02793695-20100108-01
