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Background: Bereavement can be considered a potentially traumatic experience, and concerns have been raised about conducting grief research responsibly online. Objective: Given that online research introduces new methodological opportunities and challenges, we aimed to develop a greater understanding of how bereaved individuals experience participation in online research. Method: One day after participation in an online grief study, 876 participants, bereaved on average for 40 months, received a 'check-in' email to support well-being and offer further contact if needed. Although not explicitly asked to respond if no help was needed, 300 participants sent email replies, with only six requesting support. These responses were analysed qualitatively using content analysis. Results: Results suggested that participants found it acceptable to be asked about their grief and while difficult emotions were frequently described in response to the questionnaires, these reactions were temporary. A range of positive reactions was also reported, including new realizations arising from completing the research and changes in thinking related to grief. Participants also wrote about their appreciation for the study and how it was carried out, as well as a desire to contribute more to the study and to help others in a similar position. Conclusions: We suggest that the use of the check-in email to support well-being following study completion, along with advice on preparing to take part, contributed to positive experiences of participation and we recommend these strategies for future studies. These findings could allay clinical concerns about conducting online research with vulnerable populations, as well as raising questions about the possible therapeutic impact of measurement.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/20008198.2018.1506231

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Psychotraumatol

Publication Date

2018

Volume

9

Keywords

Assessment, ethics, grief, internet, measurement reactivity, questionnaires, • Emails analyzed in the present study suggested that conducting grief research online is acceptable to bereaved individuals and suggest it should not be discouraged based on ethical concerns.• We implemented a practical framework for ethical online data collection designed to support participant well-being and monitor risk with bereaved people and other potentially vulnerable populations.• Given the reported benefits of participation, clinical researchers should consider potential measurement reactivity effects when designing longitudinal studies.