Amplifying Youth Voices: Redefining Qualitative Research with Child and Adolescent Co-Researchers

Abstract

ABSTRACT In youth research, children are the main stakeholder, but researchers have historically relied on adult data sources to convey the lived experiences of youth. Over the past few years, there has been a stronger call for ethical considerations in child research, including how to best capture youth voices. Due to the developmental differences between children and adults, however, it is crucial for qualitative researchers to choose measures that are appropriate for the co-researchers involved and implement trustworthiness checks that directly include those being investigated. In this article, we aim to support the qualitative inquiry process for counseling researchers working with children and adolescents (ages 3 to 17). We summarize qualitative designs that empower youth voices, as well as evidence-based youth interviewing strategies, such as drawing and play-based approaches that can be utilized within these designs. Lastly, we discuss methodological challenges and possible solutions throughout.