HLTH 3098 Chapter 2: Sources of Vulnerability Situational Considerations
Document Summary
Federal regulations have defined vulnerable populations using a group-based approach. In this way, a child is vulnerable, a pregnant woman is vulnerable, and a prisoner is vulnerable. What this method of classifying vulnerability does not do is account for situations in which an individual might be vulnerable (such as, someone who is acutely ill). Additionally, the group- based classification of vulnerability does not adequately address when an individual has multiple sources of vulnerability (such as, pregnant minors, individuals with mental illness who are also homeless, and other multiple-category individuals). The nbac provides an alternative way of thinking about and analyzing vulnerability. The nbac (2001) proposes a more nuanced definition of vulnerability in the context of research. In general, persons are vulnerable in research either because they have difficulty providing voluntary, informed consent arising from limitations in decision-making capacity or situational circumstances or because they are especially at risk for exploitation.
