Issues of Disclosure and Intrusion: Ethical Challenges for a Community Researcher

Abstract

This case study focuses on some of the ethical issues that arise in communitybased\rparticipatory research, drawing on an example from practice in the UK. It\rcomprises a case example written by a community researcher, followed by two\rcommentaries, which analyse the case and offer different perspectives on the\rissues raised from the commentators’ experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand and\rAustralia. The case example highlights the challenges faced by volunteer action\rresearchers undertaking research interviews and mentoring on sensitive topics\rin their local neighbourhoods. It raises questions about: the emotional effects of\rdiscussing matters of mental health, well-being and money management on both\rresearchers and research participants; how much researchers should disclose\rabout their own lives; and the nature of the support needs of volunteer\rcommunity researchers.\rKeywords Community-based Participatory Research; Peer Research; Researcher\rDisclosure; Emotions in Research