Researcher Self-Disclosure within Feminist Participatory Action Research : A Methodological Discussion

Christodoulides, Victoria and Klein, Maike (2025) Researcher Self-Disclosure within Feminist Participatory Action Research : A Methodological Discussion. Educational Action Research. ISSN 0965-0792

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Abstract

Public health services now increasingly request research contributions from experts by experience. However, little is known about how this can best be facilitated. This paper introduces researcher self-disclosure (RSD) as a creative and innovative approach to addressing this limitation. By drawing on a project which explored recovery from childhood trauma, we highlight the opportunities and challenges of using RSD from the perspectives of both the researcher and participants (i.e. co-researcher). In this discussion, we emphasise relevant research design components, such as data generation methods, as important facilitators for this approach. Lastly, we offer learning points about ethical and practical considerations to aid future researchers in disclosing to invite their co-researchers into deeper discussions rather than to ‘story-top’ or silence. By introducing this innovative practice, we seek to inspire an added level of creativity and engagement for co-researchers, which also aligns with the overall ethos of any participatory research design: facilitating emancipatory spaces, recognising the many ways in which the voices of those researched can be shared, and becoming advocates for change.