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Research note: parallel reactions in rape victims and rape researchers
J G Alexander1, M de Chesnay, E Marshall
1University of Alabama School of Nursing, Birmingham.
Violence and Victims
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers reviewing sexual abuse case records experienced distress mirroring that of rape victims. This highlights the emotional toll on data collectors and the need for support in sensitive research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Nursing Research
Background:
- Sexual abuse research involves sensitive data collection.
- Case record reviews can elicit strong emotional responses from researchers.
- Understanding researcher reactions is crucial for ethical and effective study conduct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic predictors of sexual abuse.
- To describe the subjective emotional responses of nurse researchers during a case record review.
- To compare these researcher responses to those documented in rape victim literature.
Main Methods:
- A review of 1,215 rape crisis center records was conducted by five nurse researchers.
- Data collectors' subjective responses, including anger, fear, and sleep disturbances, were documented.
- Qualitative analysis of researcher experiences was performed.
Main Results:
- Researchers reported significant emotional distress, including anger, fear of injury, and sleep disorders.
- These reactions were comparable to those experienced by sexual assault victims.
- The study identified a parallel between the emotional impact on victims and data collectors.
Conclusions:
- Research on sensitive topics like sexual abuse can profoundly affect data collectors.
- Supportive measures and preparation are essential for researchers working with distressing material.
- Implications for training and managing research staff in emotionally charged environments are discussed.