Social Psychiatry, Vol. 46 No. 4, 2018.
Review article
Opportunities and Challenges of Qualitative Research in the Field of Mental Health
Irena Velimirović
orcid.org/0000-0002-5828-1066
; Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Psychiatric Clinic, Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Rijeka, Croatia
Ljubica Paradžik
; Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth, Zagreb, Croatia,
Vlatka Boričević Maršanić
; Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth, Zagreb, Croatia; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek Medical School, Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Qualitative research shows great potential within the field of mental health. Mental health topics as such are extremely complex and multifactorial and require the involvement of mixed methods which include qualitative and quantitative methodology. The specificity of the qualitative methodology lies in the ability to include service users in the process of development of interventions in the field of mental health. By using a qualitative methodology, we ensure that the questions we ask the individuals represent important issues for them. In this paper we will present some of the possibilities of using qualitative research in the field of mental health, such as application of research in the development and testing of the theory, development of methods based on the specificity of the research area, development and testing of interventions and implementation of interventions in clinical practice. We will also present the challenges faced by qualitative researchers dealing with mental health issues such as issues related to maintaining boundaries, developing relationships, developing friendship, reflexivity, emotions, and abandoning the role. Due to all the above-mentioned
challenges, it is necessary to develop universal protocols and strategies to ensure that all those involved in qualitative mental health research have equal information on possible risks, available help resources and guidance resources, and guidelines for particular challenging situations while conducting the research.
Keywords
Qualitative research; Mental Health; Research challenges
Hrčak ID:
214842
URI
Publication date:
7.1.2019.
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