The wellbeing of researchers of sensitive and emotionally challenging topics

The impact of researching sexual violence on researcher wellbeing has largely been overlooked in academia. Acknowledgement that researchers may experience secondary distress, such as vicarious and secondary trauma, is growing. A small-scale pilot survey was conducted at a UK university to gain insight into how conducting sensitive and emotionally challenging research affects the wellbeing of researchers, how researchers accessed and received support, and their support needs. Forty-five staff and students self-selected to complete the survey. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were thematically analysed. Findings revealed negative and positive outcomes associated with conducting sensitive and emotionally challenging research. The fieldwork and analysis phases were particularly difficult for researchers. Findings suggest that universities need to do more to prepare staff and students to conduct emotionally challenging research. Barriers to seeking help included the lack of specialist support and concerns about being negatively judged. The findings illustrate the need to create an open and supportive culture and recognise researcher wellbeing as an emotional and psychological health and safety concern. The findings can help institutions develop preventative policies and responses, proactively mitigating potential harms and supporting researchers in this important work.