ABSTRACT
Researchers who study adolescent sexuality and media face significant and growing obstacles conducting their research amid debates over sexual and reproductive healthcare access and evolving discourses on gender and sexual identities. To better understand these challenges, this chapter presents findings from a survey with a diverse group of researchers (N = 53) who shared the challenges they experience and motivations they have for conducting this type of research. Many were motivated to do the research to help and advocate for and alongside youth regarding their sexuality and sexual health, but they often experienced obstacles, such as barriers and limitations driven by gatekeepers’ fears and moral objections and dismissiveness or personal attacks from others. Findings indicate that researchers need better structural support and recognition of the value of their work to ensure that they can maintain rigorous scientific standards when conducting research on topics that often inform efforts to improve young people’s lives.
