Gathering Data

4.4.1 Developing the interview schedule.

The researcher, in collaboration with a psychologist who possessed expert knowledge in the area, developed a semi-structured interview schedule that

addressed the research questions and the domains of inquiry. These questions were based on reviewing existing published literature, noting perceived gaps in such research, and developing questions of an exploratory nature. As previously noted, qualitative research has been scant regarding the importance of disclosure of CSA, factors that either facilitate or inhibit disclosure, and what survivors consider helpful and unhelpful practice when working with CSA survivors. Therefore, open-ended questions were designed to explore these areas in order to gain a greater

understanding of CSA survivors’ experiences of consulting with mental health professionals. Demographic questions for CSA participants were minimal to reduce the level of intrusiveness, by only focusing on information regarding the therapy sessions with mental health professionals (see Appendix A).

Complementary questions exploring mental health professionals’ experiences of working with CSA survivors, including their opinions regarding disclosure of CSA and what they consider most important when working with survivors were developed. In addition, demographic questions were included for mental health professionals, such as their occupation, years practicing and qualifications (see Appendix B).

4.4.2 Recruitment process. 4.4.2.1 Adult survivors of CSA.

Adult survivors of CSA were recruited via notices being displayed at medical and community centres around metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria (see Appendix C). The researcher was then contacted via the telephone or email details on the

advertisement. If survivors emailed the researcher, they were telephoned in order for a verbal conversation to occur, reiterating the nature and aims of the study. This conversation was of particular importance, as the researcher emphasised the

disclaimer printed on the recruitment notice, stating that the study only focused on the survivor’s experience with consulting with mental health professionals, and not the CSA experience itself. The researcher ensured the potential participant was fully informed about the study and ensured no other major issues or crises were occurring for them at the time. Any questions or queries the survivor asked were answered. If they continued to be interested in participating, a date, time and location was agreed upon, along with the researcher posting the ‘Information to Participants’ to them for their perusal and consideration before the interview (see Appendix E). The

researcher advised the potential participant they would withdraw from the study at any time, without consequence.

4.4.2.2 Mental health professionals.

Mental health professionals were recruited via an advertisement being placed in medical and community health centres centres in metropolitan Melbourne,

Victoria (see Appendix D). In addition, the study’s details were sent to the manager at Gatehouse, which communicates to all CASAs and their staff. Some

professionals were invited to participate in the study by other mental health professionals, or the researcher, due to their identified expertise. Professionals contacted the researcher via the telephone or email details provided. If they had any questions or queries, they were answered. After the professional was fully informed of the study and if they consented in participating, then an interview was organised. The ‘Information to Participants’ was generally emailed to participants before the interview for their perusal and further consideration (see Appendix F). In other situations, the forms were provided on the day of the interview.

4.4.3 Organising and conducting interviews.

During the telephone conversation, a date, time and location for the interview were agreed upon by the participant and researcher. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, as well as the potential for distress to occur, it was of utmost importance that interviews with survivors were to be conducted in a private environment. In addition, it was ensured the location was convenient for the participant to travel to. Therefore, all interviews with survivors were conducted in private and convenient

locations. One interview was conducted at Victoria University in a privately booked room, whist the other two were conducted in a privately booked room at their local library. Most professionals opted to be interviewed at their workplace, in their private office space. All participants were assured the interview was informal and they were free to deviate from the questions asked and add their own insights wherever they felt appropriate. Prior to the commencement of the interview, an informal chat helped put the participant at ease as well as establish rapport, which is important to facilitate disclosure and establish trust (Patton, 2002). It was also offered that a break could be taken at any time. Participants were asked questions using the semi-structured interview schedule developed, with interviews ranging from approximately thirty to ninety minutes in duration.

Throughout the recruitment and interview process, the researcher remained attuned to the participant’s level of comfort about taking part in the study. It was reiterated to all that if they were uncomfortable or distressed, the topic could be changed or the interview be paused or suspended. Participants were also advised of their right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Interviews were recorded with the permission of each participant on an audio digital recorder. Whilst some participants expressed reluctance to be audio-recorded, it was explained that the recording would be kept confidential and was a tool

allowing the researcher to capture the interview in its entirety. Once these issues were clarified, participants appeared comfortable with being audio recorded. Audio recording ensures full attention on the participant and allows the researcher to be in tune with any noticeable changes in the participant’s demeanour or body language. This is preferred as it allows the researcher to replay the interview and gain further information such as pauses, emphases and stutters, which are all aspects of the interview that would otherwise be forgotten if not recorded (Silverman, 2010).

Interviews concluded after the researcher had asked all questions, offered the participant an opportunity to contribute any further insights or comments, and when no further information could be added. Some participants expressed disappointment about not being able to remember particular situations or experiences clearly in order to relay the information as accurately as possible. Survivors were debriefed about how the interview was for them, and if it brought up any issues they thought

required further assistance or support. The use of italicised quotes throughout this dissertation denotes a direct quote from the research participant. While no survivors reported any distress, they reflected on the interview process as “cathartic” and “really helpful”. The general consensus was that participating was valuable in that it brought clarity to their previous therapy experiences and helped them realise what they wanted from future therapy, should they seek it. Mental health professionals also reflected on participating in the study, stating they felt the project was “really important” and “crucial for survivors”.

At the conclusion of the interviews, the researcher thanked participants for volunteering their time and offering their experiences and opinions to the project. Participants were offered a summary of the study’s findings once it was concluded.