Tobacco use in intimate spaces: issues in the study of couple dynamics.
Few guidelines exist for using qualitative research to examine couple dynamics in contexts complicated by strong social stigmas and wide-ranging patterns of interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this article is to describe the methodological and ethical issues that arose in an ongoing qualitative study focused on tobacco reduction in the context of couple relationships, and the strategies undertaken to deal with these challenges. The authors discuss their experiences with the following: recruitment in the context of social stigma and the potential for intracouple coercion, data collection and the implications of uncovering intimate dimensions of couples' lives, the impact of the research process on mothers' vulnerability, and the challenges of capturing shared, "dyad" experiences. These issues point to unique challenges in conducting qualitative research with couples and families and provide a useful base for similar studies.
Bottorff
Joan L
JL
Nursing and Health Behaviour Research Unit, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Kalaw
Cecilia
C
Johnson
Joy L
JL
Stewart
Miriam
M
Greaves
Lorraine
L
D003625:Data Collection; D004989:Ethics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012747:Sexual Partners; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution