Interviewing people on sensitive topics: challenges and strategies

Abstract

Interviewing participants on sensitive topics is challenging and requires carefully planned and executed strategies throughout the research process. Sensitive topics have the potential to cause distress to participants or researchers. In this methods paper, strategies for conducting interviews on sensitive topics are described, including choosing the appropriate interview approach, creating a safe and comfortable environment, building rapport, utilizing sensitive and open questioning, reflexivity of the researcher, and awareness of the potential therapeutic effect of the interviews on participants. The strategies are illustrated with experiences from research on sensitive topics.