What question did this study set out to answer?

This paper aims to reflect on the methodological challenges and considerations when researching sibling sexual trauma, particularly within Orthodox Jewish communities.

June 11, 2026Open Access

From “No One Will Ever Talk to You ” to “ If Someone Wants to Hear, I Am There ”: A Reflection on Research Addressing Sibling Sexual Trauma

Key Points

This paper aims to reflect on the methodological challenges and considerations when researching sibling sexual trauma, particularly within Orthodox Jewish communities.
Conducted a grounded theory qualitative study from 2019 to 2022 with 24 participants through in-depth semi-structured interviews.
Incorporated additional written materials such as reflections, letters, and poems as part of the data.
Discussed methodological phases: pre-study, data collection, and post-study challenges.
Identified the necessity for culturally grounded approaches and dynamic participant engagement throughout the research process.
Highlighted the importance of diverse participation modes and the integration of participant narratives to enrich the data.
Outlined ethical challenges and ongoing reflections that emerged during the research on sensitive topics.

Abstract

This methodological paper examines the research processes and methodological considerations that emerged during a grounded theory qualitative study conducted between 2019 and 2022 on sibling sexual trauma (SST) within Orthodox Jewish communities. SST refers here to childhood sexual behaviors between siblings that go beyond age-appropriate curiosity, including sibling sexual abuse (SSA). The broader study sought to deepen understanding of sibling dynamics, cultural–religious contexts, and the lived experiences of those involved. Twenty-four participants took part in in-depth, semi-structured interviews, and additional written materials, such as reflections before and after the interview, letters, poems, and emergent memories, were incorporated as data. Findings from this study have been published in three peer-reviewed journals. In the present article, I focus specifically on methodological challenges related to the study’s sensitivity and sample, and present insights that emerged during the study. I conceptualize this kind of study as discloser research , and in this paper, I discuss selected components across three phases: pre-study, data collection, and post-study. The pre-study phase addresses issues such as avoiding restrictive definitions, responding quickly to participants, and grounding the research team in cultural and contextual knowledge. The data collection phase outlines the need for multiple modes of participation, accommodation of written narratives, and attentiveness to interview pacing and duration. Finally, the post-study phase examines ethical considerations and the emergence of additional data through ongoing participant engagement. By integrating procedural reflections, experiential insights, and conceptual lessons, this paper aims to contribute to the methodological discourse on researching sensitive topics and to offer guidance to scholars conducting qualitative work in complex cultural and emotional terrains involving vulnerable populations and taboo subjects.

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