Sensitive Interviewing in Qualitative Research

Abstract

In this paper we focus on important considerations when planning and conducting qualitative interviews on sensitive topics. Drawing on experiences of conducting interviews with dementia caregivers, a framework of essential elements in qualitative interviewing was developed to emphasize study participants' needs while also providing guidance for researchers. Starting with a definition of sensitive research, the framework includes preparing for interviews, interacting with gatekeepers of vulnerable groups, planning for interview timing, and location, building relationships and conducting therapeutic interactions, protecting ethically vulnerable participants, and planning for disengagement. This framework has the potential to improve the effectiveness of sensitive interviewing with vulnerable groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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“…A weakness may be that qualitative research interviewing is not neutral, as it may have affected the participants' thoughts and actions (Dempsey et al, 2016), even though it was not the purpose.…”

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“…The interviewer ceased a line of questioning or terminated the interview when the participant appeared to be upset or distressed discussing sensitive issues, such as domestic abuse (Dempsey and others, ). At the end of the interviews, there were consultations with the participants on difficult issues to help them de‐stress and release negative feelings resulting from the interview.…”

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“…An article was included if it discussed the ethics of research in older people and end-of-life patients with dementia, a cultural perspective of autonomy in older people, or legal protocol regarding research consent in older patients with dementia. Other topics that fell under the domains of person-oriented research ethics specifically and of research ethics more broadly were also included, for example an article that discusses optimizing patient-centered outcomes research (Wadekar, Sharma, and Battaglia 2015) and an article that discusses sensitive interviewing (Dempsey et al 2016). The search was not limited to studies conducted in a specific geographic region.…”

“…In recent literature, researchers have discussed the researcher-participant relationship in detail particularly as it relates to interview-based studies. They have suggested numerous strategies for conducting interviews that are mindful of the participant (Dempsey et al 2016). For example, the location and environment of the interview seems to impact how the participant feels during the interview.…”