ABSTRACT
Distinct ethical and practical issues can emerge in the context of longitudinal qualitative research that are not always discussed in ethical guidelines. In this chapter the key message is how the longitudinal nature of research in this area complicates the relationships between researchers and research participants. Using a case example of a longitudinal study of street youth in two Canadian cities issues in relationships with participants are discussed. These are the emergence of emotional and personal connections, the possibility of impacting the participants’ lives beyond enquiry, the value of reciprocity, the assessment of risk and issues of consent are included. The authors report on how the methodological flexibility afforded by the longitudinal research with street youth allowed us to explore the development of authentic relationships, in particular challenging the subjective/objective dichotomy and understanding boundaries with this population in order to develop genuine sharing. However a period of mutual and common reflection is required to think through the ethical issues and limits that may be confronted and the strategies needed to employ in response once data collection commences, so that appropriate relationships are maintained between the researcher and participants.
