Researching Distressing Topics: Emotional Reflexivity and Emotional Labor in the Secondary Analysis of Children and Young People’s Narratives of Abuse

Sharon Jackson; Kathryn Backett-Milburn; Elinor Newall

doi:10.1177/2158244013490705

Researching Distressing Topics: Emotional Reflexivity and Emotional Labor in the Secondary Analysis of Children and Young People’s Narratives of Abuse

Sharon Jackson
, Kathryn Backett-Milburn
, Elinor Newall

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Qualitative researchers who explore sensitive topics may expose themselves to emotional distress. Consequently, researchers are often faced with the challenge of maintaining emotional equilibrium during the research process. However, discussion on the management of difficult emotions has occupied a peripheral place within accounts of research practice. With rare exceptions, the focus of published accounts is concentrated on the analysis of emotional phenomena which emerge during the collection of primary research data. Hence, there is a comparative absence of a dialogue around the emotional dimensions of working with secondary data sources. This article highlights some of the complex ways in which emotions enter the research process during secondary analysis and the ways in which we engaged with and managed emotional states such as anger, sadness and horror. The concepts of emotional labour and emotional reflexivity are employed to consider the ways in we ‘worked with’ and ‘worked on’ emotion. In doing so, we draw on our collective experiences of working on two collaborative projects with ChildLine Scotland in which secondary analysis was conducted on children’s narratives of distress, worry, abuse and neglect.

Original language	English
Article number	2158244013490705
Number of pages	12
Journal	SAGE Open
Volume	3
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244013490705
Publication status	Published - 28 May 2013

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

Secondary analysis;
emotions
emotional labour
qualitative research
child abuse

Access to Document

10.1177/2158244013490705

Embargoed Document

Researching Distressing Topics
Final published version, 344 KB
Embargo ends: 31/12/2099 00:00 GMT

The emotional impacts of working with sensitive secondary data
Jackson, S., Backett-Milburn, K. & Newall, E., 2011, Researching families and relationships : reflections on process. Jamieson, L., Lewis, R. & Simpson, R. (eds.). Basingstoke, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 138-140 3 p. (Palgrave Macmillan Studies in Family and Intimate Life).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Cite this

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Researching Distressing Topics: Emotional Reflexivity and Emotional Labor in the Secondary Analysis of Children and Young People’s Narratives of Abuse

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

Embargoed Document

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Research output

The emotional impacts of working with sensitive secondary data

Cite this