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Pilbeam C, Greenhalgh T, Potter CM. Ethnographic closeness: methodological reflections on the interplay of engagement and detachment in immersive ethnographic research. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL INSTITUTE 2023; 29:820-839. [PMID: 38504823 PMCID: PMC10946599 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9655.14007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
With the reflexive turn in the social sciences, emotional engagement is an inevitable and crucial part of data-gathering and analysis. However, there is a glaring gap in methodological discussions to this end. Presenting ethnographic research into end of life with people living at home in England with heart failure, we argue for a methodological blend of engagement and detachment that shifts throughout the research process, and that sensory experience is a core part of engagement. We offer ethnographic examples which present and explore some alternatives to emotional engagement and objective detachment: (1) moving with participants to facilitate engagement during fieldwork through shared sensory experience; (2) detachment as a different way of relating when exiting the field and drawing participant relationships to a close; and (3) ethnographic closeness as the interplay of engagement and detachment in participant debriefing and data analysis. Based on well-established anthropological concepts, and taking both engagement and detachment as embodied and relational, we develop a notion of ethnographic closeness in which detachment is a necessary part. Our detailed methodological discussion thus offers theoretically grounded possibilities and alternatives for approaching and managing the core tension of 'how close is too close?' in ethnographic practice. Further contributions supporting researchers in navigating ethnographic research are needed.
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Bluvstein I, Ifrah K, Lifshitz R, Markovitz N, Shmotkin D. Vulnerability and Resilience in Sensitive Research: The Case of the Quantitative Researcher. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2021; 16:396-402. [PMID: 34180723 DOI: 10.1177/15562646211027418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The emotional experiences of quantitative researchers, particularly while conducting sensitive research, are largely neglected. This article aims to advance the awareness of possible emotional strains for quantitative researchers engaged in sensitive research. It qualitatively assesses the ethical and emotional experiences of quantitative researchers conducting a study on aging of bereaved parents and people with a physical disability. Based on the detailed minutes of 66 weekly research meetings held during 2015-2017, a thematic analysis of the researchers' experiences was performed. Our analysis identified two main themes: vulnerability and resilience. We delineate these themes, along with their subthemes and affinity to vicarious traumatization, moral stress, and vicarious posttraumatic growth. The current study is among the first to introduce the emotional and ethical experiences of the quantitative researcher. Tentative recommendations for the advancement of the researcher's safety and well-being by training, institutional support, self-care skills, and policy development are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irit Bluvstein
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,The Nursing Department, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Multi-Disciplinary Studies, Kinneret Academic College, Sea of Galilee, Israel
| | - Kfir Ifrah
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Faculty of Social and Community Sciences, 54619Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Rinat Lifshitz
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Management and Economics, 42715The Open University of Israel, Raanana, Israel
| | - Noam Markovitz
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dov Shmotkin
- The Herczeg Institute on Aging, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Psychological Sciences, 26745Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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McCallum KJ, Walthall H, Aveyard H. Self-care while undertaking qualitative nursing research. Nurse Res 2020; 28:e1741. [PMID: 33029992 DOI: 10.7748/nr.2020.e1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing research is usually carried out by registered nurses with some experience of practice. However, nurses may find that the role of the nurse researcher is very different from that of the practising clinical nurse and has its own challenges. AIM To explore the differences between the two roles and offer some guidance to nurses carrying out qualitative research, particularly research into sensitive topics. DISCUSSION Nurses need to be aware of various issues that could affect their ability to carry out nursing research and be emotionally traumatic. CONCLUSION There is a general need for greater awareness about the potential risks of carrying out qualitative research into sensitive topics. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurse researchers must consider self-care when planning a research project, assessing their role, personality, background, personal experiences and stress triggers, and ensuring peer and supervisory support, reflection and a healthy lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Joanne McCallum
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England; Debra Jackson, professor, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Helen Walthall
- nursing prof doc, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England
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Thacker NE, Duran A. Operationalizing intersectionality as a framework in qualitative grief research. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:1128-1138. [PMID: 32692617 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1795749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The field of thanatology emphasizes understanding grief as situated within social contexts. Yet, existing research largely examines individual experiences, neglecting to critically examine the role that sociocultural systems and forms of oppression play in how people grieve. In this manuscript, we use the social constructionist model of grief as an epistemological stepping stone to operationalize intersectionality as a framework to engage in this critical qualitative research. We provide an overview of the research process implementing an intersectional framework, including examples of research questions and procedures throughout, and discuss implications for helping praxis and education and future scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy E Thacker
- Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Antonio Duran
- Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Pascale Blakey E, Jackson D, Walthall H, Aveyard H. Memory in narratives and stories: implications for nursing research. Nurse Res 2020; 27:27-32. [PMID: 31524339 DOI: 10.7748/nr.2019.e1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory, as a concept, is rarely discussed or described in qualitative research. However, memories are central to the stories people tell about their experiences of health and illness, which are often the focus of nursing enquiry. Memories also have the potential to be sensitive or traumatic. AIM To consider the implications of memory for qualitative research by exploring the following issues: What is memory? What are the implications for using it in research? How can research participants and researchers best be supported in qualitative research when sensitive or traumatic memories are involved? DISCUSSION Memory is imperfect, complex and dependent on context. Memories are connected to meaning and are central to identity. Qualitative research should appreciate the complexities of memory. Nurses undertaking qualitative research should be mindful of the potentially sensitive or traumatic nature of memories. Both participants and researchers can be affected and care should be taken during the research. CONCLUSION Memory should not be taken for granted. The meanings underpinning memories are central to qualitative enquiry and are to be valued. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The strategies described in this paper can support researchers and participants when dealing with traumatic or sensitive memories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Helen Walthall
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England
| | - Helen Aveyard
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England
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Kleijberg M, Ahlberg BM, Macdonald A, Lindqvist O, Tishelman C. Navigating power dynamics in engaging communities in end-of-life issues - Lessons learned from developing community-based intergenerational arts initiatives about death and loss. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:651-664. [PMID: 31604379 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1671547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lack of community engagement in end-of-life issues and age-segregation in Swedish society motivated us to develop Studio DöBra, a community-based intergenerational arts initiative to support community engagement in end-of-life issues and develop intergenerational meeting places. Representatives from several community organizations formed a project group with first author MK, to develop Studio DöBra. Based on analysis of exploratory interviews with professionals involved in other, similar initiatives and data from Studio DöBra development, we discuss challenges related to power dynamics in developing initiatives to engage communities in end-of-life issues, and how these can inform the development of similar initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kleijberg
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Olav Lindqvist
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Carol Tishelman
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Rural Medicine, Storuman, Sweden
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Batool R, Zaman K, Khurshid MA, Sheikh SM, Aamir A, Shoukry AM, Sharkawy MA, Aldeek F, Khader J, Gani S. Economics of death and dying: a critical evaluation of environmental damages and healthcare reforms across the globe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29799-29809. [PMID: 31407261 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The economics of death and dying highlighted that environmental factors negatively influence healthcare sustainability. Therefore, this study conducted a system-based literature review to identify the negative externality of environmental damages on global healthcare reforms. Based on 42 peer-reviewed papers in the field of healthcare reforms and 12 papers in the field of environmental hazards, we identified 25 factors associated with death and dying and 15 factors associated with health-related damages across the world respectively. We noted that environmental factors are largely responsible to affect healthcare sustainability reforms by associating with the number of healthcare diseases pertaining to air pollutants. The study suggests healthcare practitioners and environmentalists to devise long-term sustainable healthcare policies by limiting highly toxic air pollutants through technology-embodied green healthcare infrastructure to attained efficient global healthcare recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubeena Batool
- Gender and Development Studies Department, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Zaman
- Department of Economics, University of Wah, Quaid Avenue, Wah Cantt, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Adnan Khurshid
- Department of Business Administration, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salman Masood Sheikh
- Department of Business and Management Sciences, The Superior College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Alamzeb Aamir
- Department of Management Sciences, FATA University, F.R, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Alaa Mohamd Shoukry
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Administrative Science, KSA Workers University, El Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Fares Aldeek
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jameel Khader
- Arriyadh Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Showkat Gani
- College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Muzahimiyah, Saudi Arabia
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Ådland AK, Høyland Lavik M, Gripsrud BH, Ramvi E. Death and liminality: An ethnographic study of nursing home staff's experiences in an encounter with the dead body. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:497-507. [PMID: 31397648 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1648343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates nursing home staff's experiences of the "final journey," when a resident's dead body is taken to the cold room. The account is based on data from ethnographic fieldwork in two nursing homes in Norway. Accompanying the dead body, staff found themselves "betwixt and between" - an anxious and ambiguous state, bordering on the uncanny. Liminality became a useful theoretical device in the data interpretation. The last offices - a rite of passage governing liminal states - provided a containing structure for this final journey but were not sufficient to banish the uncanny from the staff's experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kristine Ådland
- Department of Caring and Ethics, Professional Relations Research Group, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Marta Høyland Lavik
- Centre of Mission and Global Studies, VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway
- Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Birgitta Haga Gripsrud
- Department of Caring and Ethics, Professional Relations Research Group, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ellen Ramvi
- Department of Caring and Ethics, Head of Professional Relations Research Group, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Standing at the Doorstep: Affective Encounters in Research on Death and Dying. THEORY AND HISTORY IN THE HUMAN AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-20831-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Knopke E. Touching the dead: Autoethnographical reflections about the researcher's body in the field of death, dying, and bereavement. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 42:640-648. [PMID: 29368991 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1426656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This essay presents an account of the influence of the researcher's body within qualitative death research. It suggests that appropriate reflection on the researcher's subjectivity should consider his or her own bodily performances and experiences. At the beginning I offer some introductory thoughts in this regard, referring to Plessner's distinction between 'being a body' (Körper-haben) and 'having a body' (Leib-sein). Here, I highlight the importance of autoethnographic approaches for the understanding of bodily experiences, such as sensations, perceptions and their aesthetics. To demonstrate the importance of considering the researcher's body within the research process, I then draw on my own autoethnographic material, discussing how I experienced in my body frightening and disturbing feelings while dealing with the dead. This material was collected during a six-month internship from April to September 2016 at a small funeral home in Thuringia, Germany. I explain how I was socialised regarding my bodily behaviour towards the dead years ago and how I acquired the knowledge that touching a corpse is often taboo; describe my bodily reactions when I saw a dead body for the first time during my internship and how these reactions influenced my fieldwork; relate how my senses and perceptions when first touching a corpse led to extreme responses that drew most of my attention to the haptic and sensual dimension, making me unable to notice other information in the field; and show how these bodily experiences crossed borders and influenced my life beyond my field research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekkehard Knopke
- a Chair of Media Sociology, Faculty of Media , Bauhaus-Universität Weimar , Weimar , Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Borgstrom
- School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Julie Ellis
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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