Can Participating in a Study Affect Your Health? Risks, Safeguards, and What to Expect

Participating in a research study—whether it’s a clinical trial, psychological evaluation, or behavioral experiment—can offer valuable insights into new treatments and human behavior. But many potential volunteers wonder: Can participating in a study affect your health? 

In most cases, especially with non-invasive studies like surveys or focus groups, there is no physical risk. However, clinical trials or certain medical research may involve health-related impacts. These vary depending on the type of study, your health status, and how the study is managed. This article outlines what to expect, including common safeguards and what to consider before enrolling.

Key Takeaways

• Participating in research studies can provide early access to innovative treatments and personalized care.
• Studies can involve physical, emotional, or privacy-related risks, especially in clinical or psychological trials.
• Strict screening processes, ethical oversight, and ongoing monitoring help minimize health risks to participants.
• Volunteers are protected by legal rights such as informed consent and the ability to withdraw at any time.
• Asking questions about the study’s purpose, risks, and response plans is essential before joining.

Why People Participate in Research Studies

Participation in research studies is more common than many realize. According to a 2024 study, 21.9% of people with cancer in the U.S. engage in clinical research, contributing to advancements in treatment and care.  

Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. To Help Advance Science and Medicine

Many participants are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge and medical breakthroughs. By taking part in research, especially in clinical trials or longitudinal health studies, individuals help researchers uncover new findings about diseases, behaviors, or treatments. This data can ultimately lead to better healthcare policies, innovative technologies, and life-saving therapies. For many, this sense of purpose, knowing their involvement could benefit future generations, is a powerful driver.

2. To Access New Treatments

Clinical research often provides early access to experimental treatments, medications, or diagnostic tools that are not yet available to the general public. For people with chronic or rare conditions, these studies may offer a glimmer of hope when conventional treatments have failed. Participation in such trials can be seen as a proactive step toward improving one’s own health outcomes while also helping researchers assess the safety and effectiveness of new interventions.

3. To Support a Cause

Some individuals are driven by personal or emotional ties to a specific cause. For example, someone who has lost a family member to cancer might participate in oncology research as a way of honoring their memory. Others may feel a deep connection to social issues—such as mental health stigma, reproductive rights, or racial equity—and volunteer for studies that explore these areas. Supporting a cause through research participation allows people to feel engaged in something bigger than themselves.

4. For Financial Compensation

Many paid research studies offer monetary incentives ranging from small stipends to hundreds of dollars, depending on the nature and duration of the study. For students, part-time workers, or those in between jobs, this compensation can make participation especially appealing. It’s also common for studies to cover related costs such as travel, meals, or overnight accommodations, which adds to the financial appeal. Some participants view these studies as a flexible and low-barrier way to earn supplemental income.

5. To Learn About Their Health or Behavior

Participants often receive free health screenings, diagnostic tests, or behavioral assessments as part of the study process. These results may include blood work, cognitive tests, or feedback on lifestyle habits—valuable information they might not otherwise access. For individuals curious about their physical or mental health, joining a study can be a way to learn more about themselves and track changes over time, often at no personal cost.

6. Altruism

For some, the main motivation is simply to help others. Altruistic participants may not expect any personal gain from a study but are moved by the idea that their involvement could lead to better treatments, stronger public health policies, or a greater understanding of human experience. This is especially common among people who have personally benefited from research in the past and want to “give back” by helping future patients or communities.

7. Out of Interest or Curiosity

Some individuals find the research process itself interesting and enjoy learning how studies are designed and conducted. They may have a general interest in science, psychology, medicine, or social behavior and take part in studies as a form of personal enrichment. Being part of a structured experiment or observation may feel intellectually stimulating, and some enjoy discussing the process with researchers or reflecting on the study’s goals.

8. To Influence Policy or Social Change

In studies focused on public health, social justice, or marginalized communities, participants may be motivated by the chance to make their voices heard. Their lived experiences can shed light on systemic issues, helping shape policies, services, or advocacy efforts. For these individuals, research participation is a form of civic engagement—a way to contribute to meaningful change in their communities or demographic groups.

Common Reasons for Volunteering

People choose to join research studies for various personal and altruistic reasons:

1. Helping Others and Advancing Science

Many individuals volunteer for research studies because they want to contribute to the greater good. Their participation helps scientists gather vital data, refine treatments, and make progress in understanding complex conditions. This motivation is especially common in studies related to chronic illness, mental health, or rare diseases, where new discoveries can directly impact future patient outcomes.

2. Access to Cutting-Edge Treatments

Clinical trials frequently test new therapies, medications, or technologies that aren’t yet available to the general public. For participants with serious or treatment-resistant conditions, enrolling in a study might offer access to innovative care options that could improve their quality of life. This is particularly true in cancer research, neurological conditions, and rare diseases where standard treatments may be limited.

3. Curiosity and Learning

Some participants are drawn to research out of genuine curiosity. They may want to better understand their own health or behavior through cognitive testing, biometrics, or psychological assessments. Others are interested in how research is conducted and enjoy learning about experimental design, data collection, or scientific inquiry.

4. Compensation for Time and Effort

While not the sole motivation for many, financial compensation can be an important factor—especially in paid research studies that require extended time commitments, multiple visits, or invasive procedures. For students, gig workers, or those in between jobs, this added income can make participation more feasible and worthwhile.

5. Support for a Cause

People often join studies that align with their personal values or life experiences. For example, someone affected by mental illness in their family might volunteer for depression research, while others might be drawn to trials related to social justice, LGBTQ+ health, or environmental sustainability. Participating in such studies allows individuals to actively support causes they care about, with the belief that their input will lead to improved understanding, visibility, or solutions for those communities.

6. A Sense of Community

Research participation can foster a strong sense of connection—both with the research team and with fellow participants. In group-based or longitudinal studies, volunteers often interact regularly and build rapport with others who share similar health experiences, identities, or values. This sense of community can provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation, and reinforce a shared goal of contributing to something meaningful.

7. Making a Global Impact

Large-scale studies like those run by the HIV Prevention With over 172,000 participants across more than 60 trials in 13 countries, highlighting the significant global commitment to advancing HIV prevention research. When people volunteer for such initiatives, they become part of an international effort to combat diseases, reduce health disparities, and improve outcomes for millions.

Types of Studies: Medical, Psychological, Behavioral

Research studies can vary significantly in scope:

• Medical trials often test new drugs, devices, or therapies and may involve hospitalization, medication, or procedures.
  
• Psychological studies explore mental health, cognition, or behavior through interviews, tasks, or therapy trials.
  
• Behavioral research looks at habits, lifestyle choices, or social dynamics, usually involving surveys or observation.

Each type comes with different potential benefits and risks when you participate in clinical trials.

Can a Research Study Impact Your Health?

Research studies can offer health benefits, but they may come with some risks too. They are: 

Possible Positive Effects (Access to New Treatments)

In some cases, joining a study can improve your health. Medical trials, for example, may:

• Offer early access to promising treatments not yet available to the general public.
  
• Provide more frequent health checkups and personalized care.
  
• Result in better disease management or even unexpected improvements.

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that 93.4% of clinical trial participants perceived the benefits of participation as equal to or greater than the burdens. These benefits, however, are not guaranteed.

Potential Negative Effects (Side Effects, Emotional Stress)

Some studies carry health risks, such as:

• Side effects from medications or procedures.
  
• Emotional discomfort during psychological evaluations or sensitive interviews.
  
• Inconveniences from frequent visits or lifestyle restrictions.

Participants are always informed of these possibilities beforehand. If you’re new to research, understanding how studies are structured and how participants are compensated for participating in clinical trials can help you decide if it’s the right fit.

What Kinds of Health Risks Are Involved in Studies?

Here are some of the risks involved in medical research studies:

Physical Risks in Medical Trials

Physical risks may include:

• Adverse reactions to medications
  
• Temporary discomfort from procedures like blood draws or biopsies
  
• Rare but serious complications, such as infections or allergic reactions

Psychological and Emotional Risks

Mental and emotional stress can arise in:

• Studies involving trauma, mental health, or sensitive topics
  
• Tasks that trigger anxiety, frustration, or self-doubt
  
• Therapy trials where responses may vary

Social and Privacy-Related Risks

Research involving personal data can pose:

• Risk of privacy breaches in clinical studies if data is mishandled
  
• Social discomfort if sensitive information becomes known
  
• Employment or insurance implications if participation is disclosed

For instance, in 475 trials enrolling 27,185 participants, there was a median of zero serious adverse events and a median of zero severe adverse events per 1000 treatment group participants/day. 

How Are Health Risks Managed in Research Studies?

Here are some of the ways how health risks are managed:

Screening and Eligibility Checks

Before enrollment, researchers conduct thorough health screenings and medical history reviews. 

For example, a meta-analysis revealed that approximately 34% of potential participants were excluded during the screening phase due to eligibility criteria.

The process is like this:

• Conduct thorough health screenings and medical history reviews
  
• Ensure that participants are fit for the specific intervention or observation in a clinical study
  
• Exclude individuals at high risk of adverse outcomes

Oversight by Ethics Committees and IRBs

Studies are closely monitored by:

• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or ethics committees
  
• These bodies review protocols to ensure participant safety and fairness
  
• Ongoing reviews help ensure studies remain ethical and evidence-based

Emergency Protocols and Medical Monitoring

Most studies have:

• On-call medical staff and emergency response plans
  
• Regular health checkups to monitor for side effects
  
• Clear procedures for withdrawing participants if risks increase

What Safeguards Are in Place to Protect You?

Participating in a research study may feel uncertain at first, but strict protocols are in place to protect your rights, safety, and personal information. Below are the key safeguards you can expect in any ethical research environment.

Informed Consent Process and Risk Disclosure

Before participating, you’ll go through an informed consent process, which includes:

• A written summary of the study’s purpose, procedures, and risks
  
• Time to ask questions and consult with others
  
• A signed agreement confirming you understand and accept the terms

Right to Withdraw Anytime Without Penalty

You have the right to:

• Leave the study at any time—no explanation needed
  
• Stop treatment immediately if you feel uncomfortable or unwell
  
• Retain any compensation already earned for completed activities

Questions to Ask Before Joining a Study

Before enrolling in any research study, it’s important to understand what participation involves. Asking the right questions can help you make an informed, confident decision about whether the study aligns with your goals, values, and personal circumstances.

What Should I Know About the Study’s Purpose?

Before you decide to participate in a research study, it’s important to understand why the study is being conducted. This context helps you determine whether the goals align with your values, needs, or interests. Ask:

• What is the main goal of the research?
  
• Who is sponsoring or conducting the clinical study?
  
• Has it gone through proper ethical review?

Clarify:

• How often will I receive checkups?
  
• What signs or symptoms will be tracked?
  
• Will there be follow-ups after the study ends?

Make sure you understand:

• Whom to contact in an emergency
  
• Whether you’ll receive treatment or compensation for adverse effects
  
• How the study team handles participant concerns

Conclusion

Participating in a research study can affect your health in both positive and negative ways. While access to new treatments and expert care are clear benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks—whether physical, psychological, or related to privacy. Fortunately, research studies in the US are designed with rigorous safeguards, oversight, and participant rights at the forefront. By asking the right questions and understanding the study’s scope, you can make an informed choice about whether to participate.

Want to take part in research without the medical risks? Sign up with Focus Group Panel to participate in paid research studies that value your opinion.

FAQs

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study involving human volunteers to test new treatments, drugs, or medical devices. These studies help determine how safe and effective a medical intervention is before it becomes widely available.

Can clinical trials make your condition worse?

Yes, there is a risk that a new treatment may not work or could cause side effects. However, researchers follow strict safety protocols, and these risks are explained during the informed consent process.

Are studies safe for people with chronic conditions?

Many studies are designed for those with chronic illnesses, but eligibility depends on your current health and the specific study criteria. It’s best to discuss with your doctor before enrolling.

Do healthy volunteers face any risks?

Yes, even healthy participants can experience side effects or discomfort from procedures like blood draws or scans. All risks are outlined beforehand so participants can make informed decisions.

What are the benefits and risks of participating?

Benefits may include early access to new treatments and close monitoring by researchers. Risks can include side effects or the possibility that the treatment won’t be effective.

What does informed consent mean?

Informed consent means you’re given all the key information about a study—including its purpose, risks, and your rights—before agreeing to take part. You must sign a form confirming your understanding and voluntary participation.