Research trauma in incarcerated spaces: Listening to incarcerated women's narratives. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qhogwana, Sibulelo
• Is Part Of: Emotion, space and society. Volume 42(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Incarcerated women -- Reflexivity -- Qualitative research -- Research trauma -- Listening; Emotions -- Periodicals; Spatial behavior -- Periodicals; Space perception -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2021.100865
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4586

Abstract

Abstract: This paper discusses researcher emotional experiences evoked while conducting narrative interviews in a research project that explored the rehabilitation experiences of 18 incarcerated women. I highlight the significance of listening as a methodology in spaces of incarceration. The importance of retrospective reflexivity in locating experiences of trauma encountered during the research process is discussed. The paper also brings to the fore the transformative power of stories for listeners as I share how my prejudices and attitudes regarding incarcerated women, as people who are framed as dangerous, were challenged. Experiences with interviewing and connecting with the incarcerated women further emphasised the importance of proactive self-care for researchers, with the significance of reflexivity as a self-care tool when doing qualitative research with vulnerable populations. Highlights: Research methodology involving incarcerated participants requires recognition of their integrity and humanity. Reflexivity facilitates researcher self-awareness and management of emerging emotions. Trauma informed research encourages a proactive approach to self-care by the researcher. Research in spaces of incarceration can be highly emotive. Listening to emotional biographies offers learning opportunities and challenges prejudices.