ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights key design dilemmas involved in conducting research on sensitive topics with vulnerable populations, namely in the area of suicide. This is important as researchers can be deterred from engaging in such research, which results in knowledge gaps and lack of guidance for practitioners working in challenging practice areas. It is acknowledged that there are multiple challenges within the field of suicidology, however, there is a lack of literature to assist the social researcher in this endeavour, particularly in demonstrating researcher competency. Furthermore, the small body of literature that does exist tends to focus primarily on participant risk, heightening fears of litigation while not adequately addressing participant benefits, researcher competency and safety and research boundaries. This chapter highlights some practical and creative strategies in the design and research process that safeguard the participant, researcher and research context while also promoting research rigour. This involves enhancing collaborative work, promoting the value of clinical research and creating robust study protocols.
