Sensitive Topics Research Articles

Sexual Self-Disclosure Styles: Understanding Differences in Discussing Sensitive Sexual Topics with Relationship Partners

Sexual Self-Disclosure Styles: Understanding Differences in Discussing Sensitive Sexual Topics with Relationship Partners

Barriers and enablers to shared decision-making in assessment and management of risk: A qualitative interview study with people using mental health services

The assessment and management of risk are fundamental to mental health care provision and are considered high-priority tasks by professionals worldwide. Clinical guidance recommends for risk to be identified and managed collaboratively with the individual, but studies indicate that this may not be happening in practice. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers and enablers to collaborative risk assessment and management based on shared decision-making from service users’ perspectives. A qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews was employed. The Theoretical Domains Framework for behaviour change, which consists of fourteen theoretical domains that have been found to influence behaviour, informed data collection and analysis. Thirteen service users living with severe mental illness took part in an interview. The majority of participants reported not having been involved in the identification of their risk and most were unaware of the information included in their risk management plan. Perceived barriers to involvement were power dynamics between professionals and service users, difficulty talking about sensitive risk topics, and the emotional impact of engaging in these discussions. Perceived enabling factors for involvement included the possibility of gaining a better understanding of risk issues, and discussion about risk enhancing the individual’s ability to maintain their own well-being and safety. Most participants expressed a willingness to be involved in shared decision-making and believed that their friends and family would enable them to be involved. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for targeting behaviour change in future intervention design that seeks to increase shared decision-making in risk assessment and management with individuals with severe mental illness.

Challenges and Strategies in Translating Humour for Arabic Subtitling

The translation of humour in audiovisual media presents unique challenges due to its cultural relativity and dependence on social, linguistic, and cultural contexts. While Audiovisual Translation (AVT) studies have expanded since their emergence in the 1950s, research on humour translation between English and Arabic remains understudied, particularly regarding culturally sensitive content. This study addresses this gap by examining the strategies employed in translating humorous content from English to Arabic in subtitled media. Using a corpus-based approach, this research combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze translation strategies for humour, with particular attention to sensitive topics including sex, religion, and politics. The qualitative analysis examines the specific challenges and solutions in translating culturally-bound humour, while the quantitative component provides statistical data on the frequency and distribution of various translation strategies. The findings reveal that Arabic subtitlers predominantly employ Preservation strategies (50%), followed by Reduction (18.2%) and Expansion (16.7%). This pattern differs from previous studies of other language pairs, suggesting that the English-Arabic translation of humour involves unique considerations and approaches. The research contributes to AVT scholarship by providing empirical evidence of translation strategies in the understudied English-Arabic language pair and offering insights into the handling of culturally sensitive humour in Arabic subtitling practices.

Masked xenophobia and why we should be skeptical of Survey Data on Sensitive Topics - Mathew J. Creighton, The Resilience of Xenophobia (New York, Columbia University Press, 2023, 272 p.)

Masked xenophobia and why we should be skeptical of Survey Data on Sensitive Topics - Mathew J. Creighton, The Resilience of Xenophobia (New York, Columbia University Press, 2023, 272 p.)

Technology's Role in Fostering Therapist-Client Collaboration and Engagement with Goals

Psychosocial therapies play a crucial role in effectively treating anxiety and depression. An integral aspect of these therapies involves setting goals that clients engage in outside therapy, known as therapy homework or between-session goals. Yet, clients overwhelmingly do not complete between-session goals. This study explores mental health therapists' and clients' challenges in collaborating to set and manage engagement with between-session goals and discusses how technology could better support them. We interviewed 13 therapists and 14 clients about their experiences with between-session goals. We identified therapists' needs for information to support their clients, challenges in collaboration, and how technology can support client-therapist collaboration. Therapists need in-the-moment information about clients' engagement with goals to inform their decision-making. Clients may feel reluctant to share information due to a lack of trust, embarrassment, or not knowing what to share. Clients could use technology to asynchronously communicate about sensitive topics with their therapists. Technologies could facilitate gathering in-the-moment data that supports client-therapist collaboration on goals.

Ein Rückblick auf die Korruption in Russland

Summary Empirical research, especially on sensitive topics such as corruption, has always been a challenge – and not only in Russia. Since February 24, 2022, research on corruption has become almost impossible; after three decades of courage and innovation, the topic is now on hold. Anti-corruption research is becoming “undesirable”, along with many of the organizations that are involved in such research, such as Transparency International. This paper, which was written before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, addresses the challenges of the current corruption paradigm. Using informality as an alternative approach, it focuses on two key areas of post-Soviet life where corruption is often endemic and where anti-corruption practices can best be studied: business and higher education. Russia’s history teaches us that it can be difficult to make accurate predictions, but the country remains an important subject for future research.

Ask Your Relative: A mixed method analysis of the Sexual Health and Healthy Relationship Q&As submitted by American Indian Alaska Native young adults

BackgroundDisparities in sexual health outcomes persist among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) youth due to intersectional challenges accessing youth-friendly health services. AIAN youth have an increased prevalence of STIs and teen pregnancy. To address disparities in sexual health outcomes, the Ask Auntie/Ask Your Relative (AYR) Q&A service has been used by AIAN youth and young adults for over seven years as a trusted resource for information on sensitive health topics. There is a continued need to better understand the health-seeking behaviors of AIAN youth, especially those related to healthy relationships and sexual health, to improve the alignment of health resources to their needs.MethodsThis mixed-method study began with two phases. Phase 1 involved an analysis of all AYR data using Google Analytics and basic frequency counts. Phase 2 reviewed all questions and answers related to sexual health and healthy relationships (N = 240) using thematic analysis, NVivo 12.0, and intersectionality, guided by the social determinants of health. All AYR answers were coded based on type, name/location, number of times viewed, and examples. The final step of the analytic process was to utilize an intersectional approach and socioecological model (Individual, Community, Tribe/Nation, and World) to create a visual model with results.ResultsPhase 1—Since We R Native began tracking AYR data, the service has been utilized by 2.37 M users, with 1.16 M unique pageviews. The average time on the page was 4 min and 46 s. The number of AYR questions submitted varied by year, and were most frequent in 2016, then decreased in subsequent years. In Phase 2, the main themes identified in AYR questions were (1) Reaching Out for Help, (2) Identity and Physical Development, and (3) Healthy Relationships. Analysis of the Q&A answers identified 244 resources, and of these, 100 were Native-specific. The context-specific resources represented 21 uniquely coded health topics, ranging from women's health to behavioral health.ConclusionsThe broad range of healthy relationship and sexual health questions submitted to the AYR service reflects the types of health information that AIAN young adults want to know about. Resources provided in response to their questions connected Q&A viewers to a wide variety of organizations and programs designed to support AIAN young adults in their health and wellness journey. Findings from this study may be useful for creating additional culturally tailored resources.

Framing of sensitive topics in surveys measuring corruption in healthcare

Framing of sensitive topics in surveys measuring corruption in healthcare

An Exploratory Study of Fact-Checking Practices in Conflict and Authoritarian Contexts

This study explores fact-checking practices in Ethiopia and Mali in times of conflict and in a context marked by increasing restrictions to press freedom. The objective is to understand how, in this hostile environment, fact-checkers in these two countries manage to carry out their activities. Our findings reveal that fact-checkers are often victims of online bullying and harassment and fear reprisal from governments. This pushes them to self-censor, avoiding working on sensitive topics, such as military issues in Mali. In addition, fact-checking organizations in both countries highlight the difficulty of accessing reliable sources. Consequently, they focus more on debunking viral social media content, thus effectively becoming content moderators who have turned away from the mission of holding leaders accountable, one of the primary functions of fact-checking. Regarding their role conception, fact-checkers in Ethiopia and Mali see themselves more as guides helping navigate the information disorder than “guardians of truth” or “truth keepers.”

Collaborative approaches to health education: perspectives of parents and teachers on self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools

BackgroundHealth education in primary schools plays a critical role in equipping children with essential self-care skills, fostering health literacy, and addressing social determinants of health. This study explores the perspectives of parents and teachers on teaching self-care and managing common health issues in UK primary schools. Despite the recognized importance of health education, there is limited research on how self-care education is perceived and implemented in the primary school setting.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, including 9 generalist primary teachers and 9 parents from diverse educational and socioeconomic contexts in the West Midlands, East Midlands, Northwest, and London of England. Participants were recruited via social media and professional networks, and interviews were conducted via video conferencing platforms. Data were thematically analysed using NVivo 12 to identify recurring themes related to the delivery and impact of self-care education in primary schools.ResultsTeachers and parents highlighted key self-care topics, including hygiene, managing common illnesses like colds and cuts, and mental well-being. There was a consensus on the importance of self-care education, but views diverged on whether the responsibility should lie primarily with schools, parents, or a collaborative approach. Teachers expressed concerns about their preparedness to teach sensitive topics, citing a lack of training and resources. Socioeconomic and religious contexts further influenced perceptions, with participants emphasising further importance of school-led self-care education for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Strengths were identified in current self-care education efforts, particularly in practical lessons that empower children with age-appropriate skills.ConclusionsThis study highlights the critical need for comprehensive and collaborative health education in primary schools to promote health literacy and reduce health disparities. Enhancing teacher training, integrating self-care topics into the primary curriculum, and fostering stronger partnerships between schools and families are essential to improving the quality and consistency of self-care education. Policymakers should consider implementing mandatory health education training in teacher education programs and providing ongoing professional development to support teachers. By addressing these gaps, schools can play a pivotal role in preparing children for lifelong health management, reducing the burden on healthcare services, and supporting public health objectives.

Challenges Face Exegetists in Rendering Quranic Euphemistic Expressions into English

The Arab Nomads were infamous for their brutal acts against humanity in the Pre-Islamic Era, also known as the age of ignorance. The introduction of Islam and its teachings by the Prophet Muhammad, who received the Holy Qur'an in Arabic, played a significant role in the transformation of the nomads into a more civilized society during the period of Islamic dominance in the Arabian Peninsula. Arabic is considered one of the most magnificent languages due to the elegance of its words, the sophistication of its grammar, the precision of its structures, and the versatility in expressing various concepts. Despite the fact that the ancestors of the Arabs were ancient people, the Arabs themselves were driven by a strong sense of compassion that extended to all their tribes. The ideas presented were indeed remarkable. In Arabic, euphemisms are used to soften sensitive topics, a linguistic feature shared with other languages. Euphemisms allow individuals to refer to a situation indirectly through the use of figurative language. Arabic encompasses the overarching term بلاغـــة (metonymy), with تـلطيـف (softness) being the most relevant co-hyponym. This study critically analyzes the differences and similarities in the use of euphemistic expressions between Arabic and English, shedding light on the linguistic and cultural aspects of both languages.

Investigating the effects of political correctness in social marketing messaging

Purpose Obesity imposes myriad negative consequences upon society, the economy and personal well-being. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using political correctness (PC) in social marketing messages to persuade consumers to change their unhealthy behavior. It also explores various underlying mechanisms that drive this effect. Specifically, this research studies that messaging approach – politically correct vs politically incorrect and gain vs loss message framing – generates higher consumer intentions to change their behavior. Design/methodology/approach Four experiments were conducted with nationally representative samples to examine the effect of PC and gain vs loss message framing on consumers’ behavior changing intentions. Findings Politically correct prosocial marketing messages displayed higher persuasiveness than politically incorrect messages. Each relationship was mediated by the perceived manipulative capacity of the message and consumers’ attitudes toward the message. Message framing performed as a boundary condition for these effects. Research limitations/implications This paper sought to contribute to the literature that investigates the effectiveness of social marketing efforts. Three specific contributions related to the effects of message frames on politically correct and incorrect social marketing messages were developed. Practical implications The strategies presented in this paper benefit firms wishing to create a more prosocial approach to their business. A firm can present a prosocial message to their target market in a frame focusing on what will be gained instead of lost. Likewise, firms should welcome this type of messaging that embraces politically correct terminology instead of shying away from it. Originality/value This paper generates actionable insights for marketers and policymakers regarding how best to communicate with targeted segments about culturally- and personally sensitive topics related to obesity and weight loss. This paper also contributes to the literature that explores the effectiveness of social marketing initiatives. The findings suggest policymakers and social marketers should be cautious and, regardless of today’s sociopolitical environment, avoid falling into the temptation of developing politically incorrect and loss-framed messages.

Feasibility and acceptability of a life skills and reproductive health empowerment interventionfor young newly married women in Rajasthan, India: A pre-post convergent mixed methods pilot study.

Background: Newly married young women face increased susceptibility to adverse health outcomes, social isolation, and disempowerment, yet interventions targeting this vulnerable group remain limited. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of TARANG, a life skills and reproductive health empowerment intervention, developed for and with young newly married women. Methods: We recruited 42 newly married women as participants in our study. We conducted a convergent mixed-methods, single-group cluster pilot study to the intervention in which 41 participants (retention rate=97.6%) completed both baseline and endline surveys in July 2023 and January 2024, respectively. We assessed three primary outcomes--feasibility using proportion of participants who completed at least 50% sessions, acceptability using proportion completely satisfied/somewhat satisfied with TARANG and usefulness using proportion who found TARANG useful/somewhat useful. We conducted in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 12 participants to understand intervention acceptance and usefulness of the intervention and 6 program staff and moderators to understand barriers to implementing the intervention. We analyzed the quantitative data with descriptive statistics and qualitative data using thematic analysis. We triangulated data from monitoring data filled by moderators, quantitative surveys with participants, and qualitative data. Results: In the pilot study, 35/42 participants had completed at least one session. Overall, 82% participants attended at least 50% of the sessions. Among those who attended at least 1 session,97% were satisfied/somewhat satisfied with the intervention and 100% of participants found the intervention to be useful/somewhat useful. Qualitative findings reveal participants' appreciation for open discussions on sensitive topics, such as family planning, and highlight the intervention's role in filling knowledge gaps and fostering social connections, better sense of agency and improved relationships with mothers-in-law and husbands. While barriers to consistent participation were identified, feedback informed refinements to the intervention for the main trial, including session modifications, increased engagement strategies, and integration of educational videos. Conclusion: Our community-based participatory approach, developed with input from end users, demonstrated not only high acceptability and feasibility but also had many benefits for newly married women in rural/tribal Rajasthan. Our findings also led to adaptations that may enhance delivery of, and satisfaction with TARANG intervention, which will be tested with a larger sample in a rigorous cluster randomized controlled trial in Rajasthan, India. ClinicalTrials.gov : The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06320964). Registered retrospectively on 13 March 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06320964.

When words fail us: An integrative review of innovative elicitation techniques for qualitative interviews.

Interviews are central to many qualitative studies in health professions education (HPE). However, researchers often struggle to elicit rich data and engage diverse participants who may find this strategy exclusionary. Elicitation techniques are strategies tailored to address these challenges, enhancing oral conversations through other forms of interaction-for example, participant photography and neighbourhood walks. These strategies are tailored to elicit the rich data needed to address complex problems and meaningfully engage participants. Unfortunately, guidance on these techniques is scattered across literatures from diverse fields. In this synthesis, we offer an overview of the elicitation techniques available and advice about how to choose between them. We conducted an integrative review, drawing on methodological literature from across the health and social sciences. Our interdisciplinary searches yielded 3056 citations. We included 293 citations that were methodologically focused and discussed elicitation techniques used in interviews with adults. We then extracted specific elicitation techniques, summarising each technique to capture key features, as well as strengths and weaknesses. From this, we developed a framework to help researchers identify challenges in their interview-based research and to select elicitation techniques that address their challenges. To enrich data, researchers might seek to shift conversations away from participants' entrenched narratives, to externalise conversations on sensitive topics, or to elicit affect, tacit knowledge or contextual details. When empowering participants, researchers might seek to increase equity between the researcher and participant or foster interview accessibility across diverse participant populations. When chosen with study goals in mind, elicitation techniques can enrich interview data. To harness this potential, we need to re-conceptualise interviews as co-production of knowledge by researcher(s) and participant(s). To make interviews more equitable and accessible, we need to consider flexibility so that each participant can engage in ways that best suit their needs and preferences.

From ‘white man’s science’ to a ‘Brave Space’: an art of decolonising landscape from Environmental Science

In 2021, prompted by the claim of a colleague that the climate and species crises are ‘white man’s science’, two small, seed-funding research projects, explored contemporary cultural values and colonial barriers to people of colour engaging in Environmental Sciences. The project partners included organisations from diverse ethnicities, sectors, cultures and generations in specific locations across the UK. A form of deep listening (consciously focusing on people’s cultural narratives) was explored with creative storying (the making and telling of stories), as an approach to research. And from this a Brave Space emerged between the project participants; gaining the courage to face the challenges of deeply difficult and sensitive topics, such as race, power, privilege and oppression. Climate, species and cultural crises were perceived as the nexus of one crisis or emergency.

An exploratory examination of medical and nursing students’ intentions to discuss body image, weight, and eating disorders with their patients

BackgroundAlthough many people have concerns about their body image, weight, and eating behaviors these issues are not usually discussed in a productive manner with medical providers. Thus, we examined nursing and medical students’ willingness to discuss patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders and reasons why they may do so.MethodOne hundred and eighty-three nursing and medical students (Mage = 25.06, SD = 5.43) participated in this study. Participants completed open-ended questions pertaining to their willingness to discuss body image, eating, and weight-related issues with future patients. We further queried students’ perspective on body mass index (BMI) as a measure of weight status and sought to determine if participants’ own weight, weight concerns, appearance evaluation, body appreciation, and experiences of stigma were associated with their willingness to discuss weight-related issues with prospective patients.ResultsCoding of qualitative data indicated that nursing and medical students were “sometimes” willing to discuss prospective patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders, especially if a health concern was evident. Nursing students seemed somewhat more willing to discuss weight issues than medical students and willingness to discuss one of these issues (e.g., body image) was positively associated with willingness discuss the others. Plans for future discussions of body image and weight were marginally associated with personal experiences of weight stigma. The majority of participants indicated that BMI was not a valid measure of health.ConclusionsTaken together, findings suggest that future providers’ conversations with patients about these sensitive topics are less likely to be associated with their own experiences and more with the relevance of these topics to specific patients.

‘Because otherwise she’s not doing her job – if she doesn’t listen’: children’s and parents’ views on participation in the assessment process according to the Swedish Disability Act

ABSTRACT Social workers often experience difficulties involving children in the assessment process for disability support, but we know less about how children and their parents experience meeting with social workers in a statutory practicing context. This study examines how increased participation can be possible for children with disabilities throughout the Swedish Disability Act (SDA) assessment process. Eleven children and twelve parents were interviewed, using Talking Mats with the children. Malterud’s phenomenological method was used for analysing the data. Children feel they are listened to, but they need support expressing what they find difficult, and believe Augmentative and Alternative Communication can support their understanding. When planning a meeting, children need information beforehand to be involved in the planning. Parents believe that children should be involved in decision-making; hence, their own involvement is needed. Many children who are eligible for SDA interventions would be able to speak for themselves later in life if introduced to actively participating in assessment processes at a younger age. Accordingly, it becomes important that children with disabilities, together with parents and social workers, also gain experience in talking about sensitive topics. This may, in the long term, alleviate parents’ worries and uncertainty about how to protect their children.

The role of toilets in public spaces: An interview study with individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues

This study, conducted in Norway, addresses the issue of inadequate access to toilets in public spaces and transportation systems, particularly concerning individuals with disabilities who have heightened needs of toilets. The study employed in-depth interviews with individuals experiencing various gastrointestinal issues, including bladder-related problems. Utilizing a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted via telephone to accommodate potential travel difficulties. This approach also leveraged previous successes with sensitive topics. A sample size of 10 interviews was chosen based on prior research indicating that key themes typically emerge within this range. Key findings indicate significant barriers to participation in societal activities due to insufficient toilet facilities. For transport in particular, boats and trains emerge as preferred modes over buses, trams and subways due to the presence of onboard toilets. Notably, urban areas and recreational spots like parks and beaches suffer from a lack of restroom facilities. In order to improve these facilities, informants highlighted measures such as provision of open, hygienic toilets with barrier-free access. These measures should be coupled with clear signage and awareness campaigns regarding toilet facilities tailored to individuals with diverse health needs. The study underscores the critical role of toilets in maintaining public health and acknowledges the right to access toilets as recognized by the United Nations. Testimonials from individuals with disabilities underscore the profound impact of toilet accessibility on their daily lives, revealing instances of social isolation and restricted activities due to inadequate facilities. Proposed interventions encompass improved hygiene standards, increased toilet availability, and enhanced staff training to cater to the diverse needs of users. The study advocates for legislative reforms and policy guidelines to address the pressing issue of toilet accessibility, aiming to foster inclusivity and equal participation in public life for individuals with disabilities.

Enhancing the Process of Collecting Patient Medical and Surgical History: Navigating Sensitive Topics and Evolving Practices

Enhancing the Process of Collecting Patient Medical and Surgical History: Navigating Sensitive Topics and Evolving Practices

Exploring Young Adults' Mental Health Help‐Seeking Journey: Preliminary Findings on Resource Navigation Behavior

ABSTRACTYoung adults are among the most vulnerable populations susceptible to mental health concerns, yet they encounter various barriers in accessing resources and obtaining necessary support and treatment. While prior research has predominantly focused on technology utilization in mental health help‐seeking, a more comprehensive understanding of how individuals navigate the broader landscape of available resources is crucial. To address this gap, we conducted in‐depth interviews with 18 young adults to explore their lived experiences and resource navigation during the mental health help‐seeking process. Guided by the Social‐Ecological Framework, our study categorized the resources utilized by young adults into four categories: technological, interpersonal, community‐based, and societal. Through thematic analysis, we report preliminary findings that identify specific characteristics of resources that young adults value and prioritize throughout their help‐seeking journey. These findings provide implications for designing multi‐level mental health resources and interventions to facilitate young adults' help‐seeking. We also discuss methodological considerations to encourage in‐depth conversations with marginalized groups on sensitive topics like mental health, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe, non‐judgmental space for participants to share their experiences openly.