Intrapersonal and Inter-subjective Challenges of Researching Older and Vulnerable Males Convicted of Sexual Offences

ABSTRACT

This article presents a sequence of reflexive observations based on my experiences as a lone researcher, conducting sensitive qualitative research with vulnerable adult male prisoners who were convicted of sexual offences. The data collection process was imbued with intrapersonal and inter-subjective challenges, including rapport building with participants, negotiating with gatekeepers, care for vulnerable participants and dealing with the emotional dissonance emanating from the management of unsolicited disclosures. The closed nature of the institution, security processes, hierarchical relations and aspects of the prisoner culture increased the complexity of the research process. It is argued that researching vulnerable groups in sensitive locations is replete with ethical and interpersonal tensions. Given that other researchers conducting sensitive research with hard to reach populations may encounter similar issues, this paper aims to capture in detail some of the difficulties and presents the main points of learning from the experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Older prisoners
• peer care
• qualitative research
• ethics
• ethnography
• prison research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributor

Warren Stewart is currently a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at the School of Health Sciences, at the University of Brighton. Warren has worked in a range of clinical and managerial roles in prisons, before going on to lead workforce, educational and service development projects for various offender health services. He has maintained his clinical experience in secure settings and continues to lead elements of health and social care education. Warren is currently undertaking an Educational Doctorate at the School of Education, University of Brighton.

Additional information

Funding

The author received a small amount of funds from the local health care provider – ‘CareUK’, to assist with travel costs to and from the research site only.