Ethical challenges in conducting research with hard to reach families

Abstract

This paper reflects on some of the ethical challenges encountered by the authors whilst undertaking sensitive qualitative research with parents and children who are traditionally hard to reach. The research aimed to provide more holistic and in-depth accounts of parenting on a low income in diverse social circumstances than already exist. The nature of the sample and the subject matter that was covered inevitably raised many familiar ethical dilemmas and some that are less often encountered in practice, particularly in relation to child protection. In this article we discuss our approach to ethics, some of the ethical challenges we encountered undertaking work with families and discuss the complexity of decision-making around risk of harm to children. We conclude that a clear framework to avoid harm should be developed at the outset and a transparent approach to child protection issues should be used. Additional time and resources need to be incorporated at the planning stage of similar projects in order to develop appropriate methods, ensure effective decision-making and support researchers.

‘You've got to trust her and she's got to trust you’: children's views on participation in the child protection system

“…They were reminded that they could stop at any time and did not have to answer any questions. They were provided with a stop/go card based on a traffic sign and were asked to practise stopping the interview before we commenced (Gorin et al 2008). Consent was viewed as an ongoing issue and researchers also paid attention to body language and tone of voice.…”

Encountering ethics in studying challenging family relations

“…Some researchers argue that this might hinder or even prevent the study of many important topics. Others find formal regulation, such as advance approval by an ethical committee, important but emphasise that this will not by itself guarantee an ethical research process, unless researchers are sensitive and reflective to ethical issues at all stages of the research process (e.g., Gorin et al, 2008).…”

“…Researchers should pay attention to practical matters such as whether to interview individuals in their own homes where the possible presence of other family members might risk and challenge confidentiality and anonymity. When dealing with sensitive issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse or child maltreatment researchers may face situations in which they are ethically and/or officially obliged to intervene (Gorin et al, 2008;Margolin et al, 2005). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) ethical and safety recommendations for domestic violence research, the safety of respondents and the research team is paramount, and should infuse all project decisions.…”

“…The second case concerns how the researcher deals with interviewees' emotions (see also Gabb, 2010, Gorin at al., 2008. The moods of children in interviews can also be considered a challenging factor.…”

“…Sharing challenging moments will help to shape a set of consensual ethical practices that can be applied in the study of family relations (see also Gorin et al, 2008). As Lisa Aronson Fontes (1998) points out, all researchers are morally obligated to think deeply about ethical issues, to discuss these issues with others and to keep their moral compasses delicately tuned.…”