This article is part 3 of a Series: Navigating Sensitive Topics in Qualitative Research
- Part 1: Focus Groups vs. IDIs for Sensitive Topics – And the Research Techniques that Reveal Insights
- Part 2: The Moderator’s Role in Building Trust During Sensitive Research
- Part 3: A Moderator’s Guide to Navigating Stress
In my twenty-something years as a moderator, I have led discussions that sometimes delve into challenging areas. In the last year, project after project has dealt with the impacts of patient illness, caregiving, terminal diagnoses, grief, racism, or lack of resources on participants’ lives. Some of the stories that participants have shared with me have been touching, some inspiring, and some downright heartbreaking. This has brought home to me the importance of emotional management for moderators and how we navigate stress in our work.
Some of the stories that participants have shared with me have been touching, some inspiring, and some downright heartbreaking. This work requires us to hold space for all of it and to take care of ourselves in the process.
1. Acknowledge That Emotional Reactions Are Normal
Professionalism and neutrality in moderation require the moderator to keep an emotional distance from the respondent’s experience. However, building rapport and showing empathy are important in building trust with the respondent so they will feel comfortable sharing their story. Striving to do both creates a unique tension that defines the art of moderation. Whether it’s a moment of frustration, empathy, or joy, recognizing those feelings adds a layer of authenticity to moderation.
It’s essential to recognize our humanity as moderators. Emotional reactions to a respondent’s story are completely normal and valid. Moderating sensitive topics involves a level of emotional involvement that cannot be overlooked.
Recognizing the potential impact on our own emotions and acknowledging our responsibility in managing these feelings is the first step toward effective stress management.
2. Check In With Yourself Throughout the Research Project
Conducting a research project on sensitive topics or emotionally charged issues can delve into the private lives of participants, stirring feelings in the moderator. Alongside life’s everyday stresses, it makes sense to regularly check in on your emotional well-being. Take time to process your emotions away from the interview or focus group setting. This deeper level of inventory ensures you remain attuned to your own emotional landscape.
One interview in particular has stayed with me. I was moderating a study on healthcare experiences when a young Black man described what it felt like to navigate the healthcare system while also carrying the weight of racism and financial hardship. He said it felt like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. When the interview ended, I sat with that for a moment before I could move on.
3. Find Ways to Relieve Stress — and Mind the Schedule
Stress relief isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity when conducting research on any topic, but even more so when it’s on emotionally sensitive topics. Whether it’s a brisk walk, exercise, or journaling, find what works for you. Additionally, mind your schedule. Ensure breaks are sufficient, meals are taken, and hydration is prioritized. Avoid cramming too many interviews or focus groups into a week, allowing for valuable downtime to process and recharge. I know this all sounds like simple advice, but the demands of research teams and schedules can make it genuinely challenging.
Recognize the importance of processing your emotions. This may look different for introverts and extroverts. As an extrovert, I’ve often found that debrief sessions with the project team after groups or at pre-scheduled points in a longer IDI project help me and the research team to process the difficult things we’ve been hearing along the way. Talking with others who have shared in the experiences can help to reduce emotional stress and foster open communication within your research team. Sharing experiences not only lightens the emotional load but fosters a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Introverts may find it more helpful to set aside time to journal or to thoughtfully process and consider what they have heard and experienced.
The Ongoing Work of Showing Up
Moderating sensitive topics is marked by the delicate dance between professionalism, empathy, and self-awareness. Navigating stress in sensitive topic research is not just a part of the job; it’s an essential skill. Managing our own emotions helps us remain present with respondents as they share their stories, throughout the entire course of a research study.
It is rewarding work, and it is hard work. The moderators who do it well are those who take their own emotional wellbeing as seriously as they take their craft. Here’s to navigating the intricate and genuinely rewarding journey of moderation with resilience and compassion.