‘Isolation and Distress’? (Re)thinking the place of emotions in youth research

Abstract

The acknowledgement of researcher emotions should be a vital part of the youth research process, and its outcomes. Drawing upon detailed, personal and emotional accounts of active listening, the extent to which researcher emotions remain unacknowledged within the research process is explored. Youth researchers have clear protocols for protecting the wellbeing of their participants by considering ethical implications, informed consent and power differentials of research. However, the importance of researcher emotions, and how these can affect the research encounter are less well explored. It is argued that undertaking research with children and young people can raise emotional reactions within the researcher. If unacknowledged, the implication may be an increasing risk of researcher vulnerability. Acknowledging and raising awareness of all emotions safely within an academic arena should be a positive, cathartic experience. It can lead to greater protection of young research participants, a more robust support structure for youth researchers, and a more nuanced analysis of the research encounter.