Researching Sensitive Issues and Ethnicity: Lessons from Sexual Health

• Published in: Ethnicity & health Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 15 - 27
• Main Authors: Elam, Gillian, Fenton, Kevin A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2003
• Subjects: Cultural Sensitivity; Ethnicity; Health Research; Qualitative Methods; Quantitative Methods; Research Methodology; Sexual Behavior
• ISSN: 1355-7858
• DOI: 10.1080/1355785032000123717

Researchers are generally familiar with the need to adapt their research methods to minimize the impact of sensitivity. However, are different considerations required for studies of ethnicity or with ethnic minority respondents? This paper provides insight into strategies used by the authors to tackle sensitivity in qualitative & quantitative research studies of sexual health & ethnicity. Drawing on examples from these studies, the paper demonstrates the relevance of Lee's model of sensitivity, & examines ways in which ethnicity may add further dimensions to our ability to understand, identify, & limit sensitivity in the research process. The paper identifies techniques available to researchers for handling sensitivity in general, as well as those that may be useful for researching sensitive topics among ethnic minority populations. The paper concludes that, given the transitional & contextual nature of ethnicity & sensitivity, formulaic approaches for tackling the latter are inappropriate. Instead, strategies are best developed in collaboration with the study communities. 2 Tables, 49 References. Adapted from the source document.