The Emotional Risks of Turning Stories into Data: An Exploration of the Experiences of Qualitative Researchers Working on Sensitive Topics

Abstract

A great deal of research has been undertaken into areas involving sensitive topics. In spite of longstanding acceptance that such research can be emotionally risky for participants, interest in the impact of this work on the researcher has only relatively recently become a topic of concern. This paper reports on a roundtable convened with qualitative researchers working in sensitive research areas. The article explores their views in relation to the emotional risks they encountered in relation to their work. A grounded theory, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and comparisons are made between researcher experiences and those highlighted by earlier studies. We illuminate how researchers described personal concerns about the emotional risks, before focusing on how the researcher’s sense of professionalism contributed to, or protected against, these emotional risks and emotions. This paper also discusses the faltering nature of the support provided to these researchers and the challenges created by the need they felt to create impactful research. The authors conclude by arguing that current support and guidance provided to researchers working in sensitive areas fails to address the complexity of the emotional reaction of the researcher. We call for the development of specialised training and improved use of theoretical concepts such as emotion work, to guide those undertaking this challenging work.

Women Caring for Husbands Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Phenomenological Study Protocol

“…During the interview, the primary investigator will observe participants for signs of emotional distress or increasing anxiety [ 138 ]. Researchers are also at risk for emotional distress [ 139 ] when investigating sensitive topics [ 140 ] since they are immersed in the lived experiences of participants during the interview [ 141 ]. For this reason, the research team will observe each other for signs of emotional distress and address this possibility during every team meeting.…”

A critical reflection on accessing women with learning disabilities to participate in research about sensitive subjects through organisational partnerships

“…While these recruitment issues cut across learning disability research more generally, there are additional challenges when conducting research that might be described as “sensitive.” Definitions of what constitutes sensitive research vary (Mallon & Elliott, ), but it is frequently identified as research that is accompanied by a level of risk or threat, because it invites participants to reflect on deeply personal experiences that fall within the private sphere, or because it may expose forms of stigma or deviance (Lee, ). Dickson‐Swift, James, and Liamputtong () argue that research can be defined as “sensitive” in relation to the potential impact it may have on participants, for example evoking distressing emotions.…”

Exploring the Role of ‘Shadowing’ as a Beneficial Preparatory Step for Sensitive Qualitative Research with Children and Young People with Serious Health Conditions

“…It is increasingly being recognised that being a researcher on a qualitative study, especially one involving listening to participants' painful or emotionally-charged experiences, such as those of a sensitive nature, can have a negative emotional impact on the researcher [17]. Measures such as debriefing, or 'self-care' should be taken to protect the mental well-being of the researcher, in order to avoid long-term effects such as vicarious traumatisation or 'burn out' [17,18].…”

“…Regular meetings with the research team for the researcher to debrief-express their emotions in a safe environment-are often recommended after shadowing in a clinical environment [58] or interviewing on a sensitive topic [18,59]. Given that the multidisciplinary team were disparately located, these debriefing sessions were more ad hoc, though after a few shadowing sessions, the researcher did not feel that they needed further debriefing.…”