In this chapter we discuss the conduct and process of undertaking qualitative research on sensitive topics and raise some important points for researchers to consider throughout the research process. There are a number of specific issues regarding the process of entering people's lives for research purposes. These include rapport development, researcher self-disclosure, listening to untold stories, feelings of guilt and vulnerability, leaving the research relationship and researcher exhaustion. Data transcription and analysis are important phases in the qualitative research process and often require an enormous time commitment from researchers. In this chapter we will outline some of the difficulties faced by researchers from the time they enter into the lives of their participants through to data collection, transcription and analysis.

Entering the lives of others

In an examination of the experience of undertaking sensitive health research, it is important to first consider what it is that we, as qualitative researchers, actually do. We go into other people's lives, sometimes at a time of crisis and stress, and we ask them to talk in detail about their experiences (Cannon, 1992; Glesne & Peshkin, 1992; Liamputtong, 2007; Liamputtong & Ezzy, 2005; Morse & Field, 1995; Ribbens & Edwards, 1998).