Non-maleficence definition
Non-maleficence means doing no harm to others;
Non-maleficence means is the intent to not inflict harm.
Non-maleficence means that the researcher seeks to do no harm. Therefore, the researcher aimed to balance potential benefits against potential risks to reduce possible risk and to safeguard the protection of participants (Parahoo, 2014:89). In this research, no excessive physical, emotional or psychological demands were placed on participants (Polit & Beck, 2012:114). Furthermore, the researcher guaranteed confidentiality by undertaking that any information supplied by the participants would be used with discretion and not to “embarrass or harm them” (Fraenkel et al., 2012:438).
More Definitions of Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence simply means “do no harm”. In other words we need to ask ourselves are we in danger of doing more harm than good? For example, considering whether there is a risk that a piece of equipment may lead to more confusion or distress.