Emotionally Demanding Research: A Wartime Quest or a Journey of Connection

Authors

Thomas W. Gretton Dr, University of Wisconsin - Green BayFollow
Anna Farello, Ball State University

Abstract

Emotionally demanding research (EDR) is a branch of qualitative inquiry that heavily draws from researchers’ psychological, emotional, and physical resources. EDR researchers have acknowledged diverse experiences and effects of EDR, including compassion fatigue, interpersonal tensions, and ill-being but there remains restricted, empirical understanding of how researchers perceive their relationship with EDR. Building on Kumar and Cavallaro’s (2018) model of researcher self-care in EDR, we explored how expert qualitative researchers encountered both the positive and the negative experiences and effects throughout their entire EDR journeys. Interview data were analyzed using a holistic form of structural analysis. Researchers narrated their EDR journeys through a “quest” typology. We interpreted this quest through the metaphor of war with the researchers facing distinct battles in the pre-data collection, data collection, and post-data collection phases. Theoretical reflections are posed in relation to existential-humanism, relational-cultural theory, and researcher self-care. Practical and method implications are also offered.

Keywords

existential-humanism, narrative inquiry, relational-cultural theory, researcher experiences, researcher self-care, war metaphor

Author Bio(s)

Thomas W. Gretton, Ph.D., CMPC, is an Assistant Professor of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. His research interests include qualitative methods, psychological safety, elite sport officials, and person-centered counseling. Dr. Gretton also works as a certified mental performance consultant providing psychological support to elite Rugby Union officials within World Rugby. Please direct correspondence to grettont@uwgb.edu

Anna Farello, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at Ball State University. Her research interests are sport for development and peace, as well as creative qualitative methods.

Anna Farello, PhD. is an Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at Ball State University. Her research interests are sport for development and peace, as well as creative qualitative methods.

Publication Date

10-14-2024

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7646

Recommended APA Citation

Gretton, T. W., & Farello, A. (2024). Emotionally demanding research: A wartime quest or a journey of connection. The Qualitative Report, 29(9), 2407-2429. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7646