The ouch! Factor: problems in conducting sensitive research

Qualitative health research often slams into sensitive barriers in attempting to understand the phenomena under scrutiny. John D. Brewer pointed out that textbooks tend to view areas of sensitivity as purely ethical issues. However, research within sensitive areas requires practical solutions that are not always linked to ethical dilemmas. Practical difficulties abound and demand flexibility and tact on the researcher's part if valuable research is to be carried out. As qualitative researchers, the authors share personal trials and tribulations that have been successfully overcome and integrated into completed research projects. This article outlines some of the problems and pitfalls that may be encountered while conducting sensitive research and offers some ideas that may enable researchers to deal with the "ouch! factor" in a professional and confidential manner. Above all, the authors hold that a sense of humour is one of the essential ingredients for surviving the unexpected ouch! factor.