The vulnerable researcher: facing the challenges of sensitive research

Abstract

Purpose: Based upon a six-year research study with a community street soccer programme, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the different faces of the researcher undertaking sensitive research - vulnerable, reflexive, reciprocal, and emotionally fatigued, in addition to the potential impacts on others, including research assistants and transcribers. Design/methodology/approach: The paper draws on detailed notes and observations from a research journal kept throughout the project using an auto-ethnographic approach. Findings: The paper discusses how the author attempted to nurture and protect himself as the person within the researcher, and managed the doubts and stresses faced by those undertaking sensitive research with vulnerable communities. Originality/value: As more research is undertaken with vulnerable communities, and more researchers share their experiences, the self-care strategies, the author and others have employed may become standard practice for research training and practice.