Researchers are not blank slates
Lessons from intentional researcher self-disclosure in qualitative interviews
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24032095 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gabriela Alvarado (0000-0001-8183-8478, RAND Corporation, corresponding author), Molly Waymouth (0000-0002-8626-2508, RAND Corporation), Khadesia Howell (0009-0006-1637-8165, RAND School of Public Policy), Jill Demirci (University of Pittsburgh), Kristin N Ray (0000-0003-3817-1449, University of Pittsburgh), Rhianna C Rogers (0000-0003-0252-8768, RAND Corporation), Lori Uscher-Pines (RAND Corporation) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-11 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-17 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Social Research Methodology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1364-5579 • E-ISSN: 1464-5300 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13645579.2026.2716062 |
| OpenAlex | W7203611604 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Qualitative interviews are central to social research, yet the dynamics of rapport, power, and researcher reflexivity remain complex and underexplored. This paper examines the implementation of an intentional researcher self-disclosure approach where researchers shared aspects of their identity and background in interviews with Latina and Black parents participating in a clinical trial on telelactation support. Drawing on an equity-centered model, we adapted our interview guide to foster trust and richer dialogue. Comparative analysis of interviews conducted before and after this adaptation revealed increased depth and breadth of participant responses, particularly regarding cultural, community, and family influences on breastfeeding. Our findings highlight the potential and challenges of researcher self-disclosure, offering insights for more patient-centered and effective qualitative research. We share lessons learned and offer best practices for researchers who wish to incorporate this approach in their interviewing practice.
Blank · Identity (music) · Interview · Participant observation · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Semi-structured interview · Social research · Wish · Focus Groups and Qualitative Methods · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
Getting Smart
What is Qualitative Interviewing?
Ecological validity and cultural sensitivity for outcome research
Sister‐to‐Sister Talk
Researcher self-disclosure within feminist participatory action research
Beyond the “Fetishism of Words”
Listening to People
Self-disclosure and liking
Probing in qualitative research interviews
Telling the difficult things
Feminist Approaches to Social Science
Whose Responsibility Is It to Dismantle Medical Mistrust? Future Directions for Researchers and Health Care Providers
The qualitative research interview
Considerations for employing intersectionality in qualitative health research
Rigor in Qualitative Methods
Interviewing the Interpretive Researcher
Trying similarity, doing difference
Interviewing Women Again
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |