The role of self and emotion within qualitative sensitive research: a reflective account

Abstract

There are many reasons why researchers decide to undertake research projects, for example: interest in the area, contract work, a gap in the literature and/or service provision and personal experience. The latter of these, personal experience, and the role of the researcher’s experiences and emotions in research, has been an area viewed in both positive and negative contexts. This paper will attempt to provide insight into a novice Ph.D. researcher’s journey within an area of health and illness research in which she could fit the profile of both researcher and participant. It will outline some of the central decisions made around the appropriateness of researcher experience, the benefits and difficulties experienced, as well as ways to manage researcher risk. Ultimately, it will conclude that the emotions and experiences of the researcher can have a positive role to play in qualitative sensitive research and can provide valuable knowledge and worthy insight into a topic.