In addressing highly emotional issues, which ethical principle is represented by a nurse researcher using interview strategies to minimize subjects' anxiety?

The correct choice is beneficence, which focuses on the action of promoting the well-being of individuals and acting in their best interest. In the context of nursing research, when a nurse researcher employs interview strategies specifically designed to minimize subjects' anxiety, they are actively working to enhance the participants’ emotional well-being and reduce potential distress. This aligns directly with the principle of beneficence, as the researcher is taking steps to ensure a more positive experience for the subjects, thereby fulfilling their ethical obligation to prioritize the welfare of the participants.

In this situation, beneficence involves creating an environment where subjects feel safe and supported, which is especially important when dealing with sensitive and emotional topics. By minimizing anxiety, the researcher not only respects the participants' current emotional states but also encourages more honest and thorough responses, ultimately benefiting the research's validity and ethical integrity.