Reflections on Two Studies of Emotionally Sensitive Topics: Bereavement from Murder and Abortion

Abstract This article provides a candid account of the challenges two researchers faced while collecting qualitative in‐depth interview data on two different studies of emotionally sensitive topics. These studies involved asking participants to describe their feelings about a difficult experience—the loss of a loved one to murder and the termination of a pregnancy. We build on the literature on feminist methodology by offering a backstage look at qualitative research on an emotional topic and with an emotionally vulnerable population. Using illustrations from our respective studies, we share some of the insights we gained on recruitment problems, interview question development and participant compensation (e.g., financial, interpersonal and follow‐up contacts). We also discuss the need for monitoring and attending to the participants' emotions as well as our own throughout the data collection process. Additional informationNotes on contributorsSarah Goodrum Sarah Goodrum is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include domestic violence, bereavement and emotions. Jennifer L. Keys Jennifer L. Keys is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at North Central College in Naperville, IL. She received her Ph.D. from the University at Albany. Her research interests focuses on emotion work and the abortion debate.