Reflexive research: Investigating the process of growth in recognition of self-awareness and affect

Abstract

This article examines shifting thoughts and feelings throughout the interview process. More specifically, it draws on subjective, affective responses that occurred in relation to interviews with men about their fathering experiences. All of the fathers had records of criminal behaviour and severe adjustment problems in their adolescence. The discussion revolves around the reflexive process that took place from a researcher’s viewpoint, investigating shifting feelings throughout the analytical progression in (i) looking forward to the interviews, (ii) meeting and interacting with the interviewees, and (iii) reflecting upon the interviews. To examine these affective responses, the article relies on psychosocial theories that view the use of feelings as essential to interview analysis. The article draws on reflections on different interview meetings with a sample of 15 men. The discussion suggests that feelings are valuable ‘research tools’ in exploring methodological possibilities which can potentially make the research process transparent, thereby validating the findings.