Participants’ Perspectives on Ethical Issues in Arts-Based Health Research: A Qualitative Study

Arts-based health research (ABHR) is a novel qualitative approach that uses different art forms to conduct health research. Despite the growth of ABHR, ethical consideration has been significantly lacking. More importantly, participants’ perspectives on ethical issues in this co-constructive and collaborative approach are absent. From a constructivist-interpretivist stance, factors incorporated in participants’ decision-making concerning ethical issues in ABHR were investigated to construct their perspectives on ethical issues in ABHR. Using constructivist grounded theory, 10 participants from an urban arts charity organization were interviewed, and three major factors were constructed: identities as artists, art is a story, and art is to express. An overarching theme called respect for the artist was also constructed to illustrate how these factors influence participants’ perspectives on ethical issues in ABHR. Findings of this study contribute to informing researchers, REBs, and guideline development for ABHR to better meet the needs of participants as they articulate them.M.Sc