Feelings and Intersubjectivity in Qualitative Suicide Research

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research methodologies
• Psychology and sociology of suicide
• Phenomenological research theory

Background:

• Qualitative research, particularly on sensitive topics like suicide, often involves complex emotional dynamics.
• Traditional research methods may overlook or inadequately address the researcher's subjective experiences and feelings.
• Phenomenological theory offers a framework for understanding lived experiences, including emotions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the pervasive nature of feelings within qualitative suicide research.
• To argue for the epistemic and ethical significance of researcher's feelings.
• To propose and illustrate a framework for interpreting feelings in research encounters.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on phenomenological theory to analyze research encounters.
• Developing and applying a concept of "reflexivity of feelings" for interpretation.
• Utilizing in-depth case examples to demonstrate the identification and analysis of various feelings.
• Engaging in reflexive interpretation of identified feelings and their impact on analysis.

Main Results:

• Feelings encountered in qualitative suicide research are embodied, intersubjective, and multilayered.
• A framework for understanding and interpreting these feelings was developed and illustrated.
• Reflexive interpretation revealed the significant role of feelings in the research process and analysis.
• Ethical and methodological challenges associated with examining feelings were identified.

Conclusions:

• Embracing and reflexively interpreting feelings is essential for robust and ethical qualitative suicide research.
• The proposed "reflexivity of feelings" offers a valuable approach for researchers.
• Findings have broader implications for conducting sensitive qualitative research across disciplines.