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Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

DUNCAN Rony E.; et al.;

Title:

Is my mum going to hear this? Methodological and ethical challenges in qualitative health research with young people.

Reference:

Social Science and Medicine, 69(11), December 2009, pp.1691-1699.

ISSN paper:

0277-9536

Abstract:

An ethical dilemma that arose during a qualitative project  exploring self-management of chronic illness in adolescents is described. A participant disclosed details of poor adherence with medication, which had significant health implications. Prior to this disclosure he had been assured of confidentiality. The case is analysed in detail, highlighting the ethically important moments, the options for action and the implications of these. As a backdrop to this case the broader ethical context is considered. It is found that qualitative research is susceptible to ethical dilemmas because: (1) it is not always possible to predict all possible questions and responses; (2) the nature of the relationship between researchers and participants is amenable to sensitive disclosures; (3) the process of qualitative research can make it difficult for participants to voice concerns or withdraw; and (4) participants' identities are generally known to researchers, complicating boundary issues. Research with young people is susceptible to ethical dilemmas because: (1) young people have limited life experience; (2) consent is often required from both young people and parents; (3) issues of competence can complicate assumptions about informed consent; and (4) the power differential between researchers and participants is significant. When combining qualitative research methods and young participants, the scope for ethical risk is thus substantial.

Journal home:

Click here to visit the journal home page

Format:

article;

Topics:

children; chronic illness; confidentiality; qualitative research; research ethics; young people;

Content Type:

research;

Country/Region:

Australia;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=7dbae5cf-3d5e-4319-9021-495d5eabe801

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