Sensitive and disturbing content is acceptable on Prolific but we ask researchers to provide advanced warning ahead of a study. However, we understand that for some participants, it can often bring up complex feelings that need to be addressed afterward.
What is sensitive or disturbing content?
Disturbing or explicit content includes anything shown to participants that is graphic, violent, sexual, or egregious.
Disturbing or explicit content can come in many forms: text, such as derogatory words; images and videos, such as sexually explicit content; and audio, such as profanity.
While sensitive content includes discussions about personal topics or issues that some might find upsetting, the format might be different for every study. Common examples are asking questions or presenting scenarios about health, trauma, or other topics that could upset participants.
Sensitive content includes discussions revolving around deeply personal topics or potentially distressing issues. Sensitive content can also come in various forms: typical approaches involve asking questions or presenting scenarios related to health, trauma, or other potentially upsetting subjects.
How to spot studies with sensitive or disturbing content
Researchers add content warnings to studies that will include sensitive topics or exposure to disturbing or explicit content. You will see the content warning on studies like this on your study details page:
Researchers should also include additional details about the exact nature of the potentially triggering content of their study in the description field, therefore we recommend you read this carefully, too.
If you feel comfortable, you can go ahead and reserve a spot and take the study. If you reserved a spot before considering the content warning, don’t worry. You can cancel your reservation by returning the study. This won’t have any negative consequences to your Prolific account.
Help resources
If you’ve been affected by something that you’ve read or you’ve been triggered by content in a study, here are some resources for those based in the UK, US and Australia that may help.
UK, US, and Australia
UK |
|---|
UK suicide prevention support Free, non-judgemental support by phone, online or letter. Where to get help from the National Health Service if you are having suicidal thoughts, and what to do if you are worried about someone else. Papyrus UK | Suicide Prevention Charity A UK charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK. |
UK Anti-Racism Support The UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. Stop Hate UK is a leading national organisation working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. The UK’s leading race equality think tank, evidence-based interventions to overcome racial inequality. |
UK Bereavement Support Provides one-to-one and other support to the bereaved organised through local branches - find your local branch number on the website. For those bereaved through alcohol or drugs. |
UK Domestic Abuse Support Independent charity and refuge for those experiencing domestic abuse. National Domestic Abuse Helpline Support led by women trained to assist those experiencing domestic abuse. Help for those who are victims of crime; Victim Support can also help with those experiencing domestic abuse. |
UK Sexual Abuse Support For those currently in crisis and in need of immediate help. Support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. The Survivors National umbrella organization for specialist rape and sexual abuse support services. |
UK Addiction Support Information and advice about drugs and addiction. The UK’s self-exclusion scheme for gambling addiction. Support for alcohol addiction and those in recovery. |
UK Debt Support The UK's leading debt charity to get expert debt advice and fee-free debt management to help you tackle your debts. Advice on managing debts, eviction support and budgeting. Support with managing debts and organizing your finances. |
US |
US suicide prevention support 998 Helpline I’m Alive Samaritans USA |
US Anti-Racism Support NAACP ACLU KIND |
US Bereavement Support Grief in Common The Compassionate Friends Heartbeat |
US Domestic Abuse Support The Hotline NCADV Life Wire |
US Sexual Abuse Support National Human Trafficking Hotline Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline |
US Addiction Support Project Know American Addiction Centres National Council on Problem Gambling |
Debt.org |
Australia |
Australian suicide prevention support |
Australia Anti-Racism Support |
Australia Bereavement Support Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Australian grief resources |
Australia Domestic Abuse Support White Ribbon |
Australia Sexual Abuse Support Respect National Association of Services Against Sexual Violence Full stop Australia |
Turning Point Alcohol Think Again Resources and help for those struggling with addiction. |
Department of Social Services |
If you’ve come across something concerning in a study that you believe to be abusive, ethically or legally problematic, please contact our participant support team with the name of the study and researcher, and as much information as you feel able to provide: Participant Support Request Form.