The Lived Experiences of Adolescent Girls Living in Families with Intimate Partner Violence - A Brief Report on Methodological and Ethical Considerations

Abstract Purpose This brief report contributes to the small research corpus that focuses on methodological and ethical considerations when adolescents and young people are involved in qualitative research, especially when they have lived experiences of interparental violence. These considerations will be illustrated by an ongoing research project, which examines the active role of adolescent girls and young women and their involvement in processes of intergenerational transmission of violence, agency, and gender. Methods A reconstructive biographical approach using the biographical-narrative interview as the data collection method (Qualitative research practice, 2004) was chosen because it effectively addresses ethical challenges, such as power imbalances and concerns about vulnerability. Results Ethical considerations are of great importance when young people are involved in qualitative research, especially when they might still live in families with IPV. This requires specific attention, particularly concerning informed consent, recruitment, confidentiality, and follow-up support. Conclusion A consequent differentiation between children and youth regarding ethical and methodological aspects in IPV research can lead to a nuanced ethical research practice.