Ethics and reflexivity in researching HIV-related infertility

The process of reflection and reflexivity enables researchers to identify emotional involvement during research processes. In HIV related fieldwork, this process may facilitate tensions between the researcher’s professional position, methodological position and personal interests. The use of self-reflexive activities relating to emotions, self-consciousness, awareness and understanding intersubjective context between ethical praxis, participants’ narratives and methodologies, are critical elements of the research dynamic. In the following chapter, I advocate for focused supervision intended to promote the emotional regulation of PhD students during fieldwork. Ethically appropriate methods of supervision will enable researchers to manage emotions that impact on the researcher’s professional, personal and research life.