Overcoming ambivalence: the challenges of exploring socially charged issues

Qual Health Res. 2003 May;13(5):718-35. doi: 10.1177/1049732303013005009.

Abstract

In this article, the author considers the challenges associated with the investigation of sensitive and socially charged issues. Drawing on a qualitative study of older women's body image and embodied experience, she discusses how societal ambivalence toward older women's bodies and appearances shapes and constrains the establishment of rapport between a young researcher and the study participants. Exploring the internalized anxiety expressed by the women, she investigates how life history narratives, multiple interviews, photographs, location of the interview, self-disclosure, information sharing, provision of assistance, student and stranger statuses, collaborative interviewing, and impression management combine to enhance rapport and ease the women's sense of discomfort.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Anxiety
  • Body Image*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Life Change Events
  • Middle Aged
  • Narration
  • Psychology, Social*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Research Design
  • Researcher-Subject Relations*
  • Self Disclosure