Abstract:
The objective of this paper is to examine the ethical responsibility
conflicts between mental health authorities and social researchers. This issue
is examined with reference to the social research protocols imposed by the
authorities of mental health institutions based on ethical grounds. It also
explores how such ethical conflicts affect social research, which provides
convincing evidence for the enhancement of mental health services. This
paper analyzes ethical reasoning conflicts between social researchers and
mental health authorities in terms of the psychiatric and social approaches to
mental health and distress.
The study is based on eight research projects to be conducted at mental
health institutions in Sri Lanka during the period 2014–2016 that were
designed by two academic staff members, two postgraduates, and four
undergraduates in the Department of Sociology at the University of
Colombo. Data was collected from the eight researchers who designed the
research projects and from four administrative officers, one officer from each
of the concerned institutions where the projects were to be conducted. A
structured interview method was used to collect the data.
According to the findings, the protocols recommended by mental health
authorities based on ethical grounds divest social researchers of their ethical
responsibility to conduct research that could advance mental health services
and assist mental health service users. The study reveals that such protocols
deprive mental health service users of their right and autonomy to make
decisions about divulging information, expressing views, and accessing
meaningful social relationships and activities.
