Qualitative Analyses of Couples’ Text Messages: Methods Reflection

Abstract

Qualitative data analysis of text messages presents a unique methodological challenge for researchers and is largely absent specific guidelines to determine best practices in analysis as well as team management. This is especially true when the text messages are sexual and intimate in nature as researchers have new insight into previously private partnered communication. This research note explores the challenges and considerations in qualitative text message, specifically sexting, research. Although most current text message research is quantitative in nature rather than using qualitative analyses, the ubiquity of text messaging as a form of communication necessitates other approaches. Specifically, we explore how emotional this type of study can be for researchers and provide recommendations for how to manage researchers’ interactions with the data. We also discuss how reading and coding sexts and text messages between new couples can force researchers to uncomfortably reflect on their own relationships and how best to manage these challenges. We propose that this work is “messy” and teams interested in analysis of text messages should be structurally prepared for the emotional labor required.