Rise of co-production and participatory research methods has made understanding how to support all researchers' mental health more critical than ever
Researchers working within emotionally demanding research topics such as neonatal care or misogyny abuse need systemic support, as a new study identifies best practices to promote researchers’ mental health in emotionally demanding research (EDR).
In a paper published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, a research team led by the University of Birmingham and supported by the national mental health charity Mind interviewed people involved in research including academics, charity workers and people with lived experiences in a range of emotionally demanding subjects.
Findings from the paper recommend a series of best practices to shift the support for researchers across both academic and non-academic contexts towards a more inclusive and psychologically informed culture.
One participant who took part in a structured interview as part of the study summed up the need for a systematic approach rather than putting responsibility on one group: “I don't think the impetus lies on the supervisor to be a counsellor and a full-scale mental health practitioner. When that is required, they need to have the pathways or be able to point to the resources for this individual.”
Interviews with 26 researchers working on EDR across sectors and disciplines including sport psychology, palliative care, and conflict resolution took place between October 2023 and January 2024 and revealed three key themes.
First, the creation of a psychologically informed research culture. Participants talked about a need for a supportive research environment that acknowledges and actively supports researchers' mental health. This includes updated policies, access to mental health resources, and training for supervisors and managers.
One participant in the study explained how building proper structures into doing EDR is necessary for supporting researcher mental health: “….no matter how resilient or how much mindfulness somebody does, or how much they choose to jog to work... All that stuff that some of that literature takes you to, in terms of how to cope, is not actually a replacement for decent work.”
The second theme looks at proactive behaviours shared between researchers and those in their immediate network of support. Examples of good practice include regular check-ins, debriefs, and clear communication about expectations. Other practices of note include setting boundaries for research engagement.
The third theme related to the individual recognition of establishing healthy boundaries including time management and self-care strategies for researchers to maintain their mental health.
Key recommendations included access to mental health support, such as sessions with clinical psychologists to allow time for reflective practice, and establishing peer support networks and communities of practice to provide validation and support for researchers working on emotionally demanding topics.
Lead author of the study, Dr Mary Quinton of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham said: “Over the past 20 years, there has been increasing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by researchers in EDR. With the rise of co-production and participatory research methods, understanding how to support the mental health of all researchers is more critical than ever.
“This study addresses a significant gap by providing comprehensive best practices applicable across various disciplines and sectors. It includes perspectives from both academic and non-academic contexts, highlighting the unique challenges faced, and best practice exemplified, by researchers in different settings.
“The findings advocate for a proactive, systemic approach that places responsibility not just on individuals but on institutions and funding bodies to create a supportive research culture. It also emphasises that researchers’ mental health must be supported at every stage of the research process—from idea conception to dissemination—across various levels of the research environment.
“This inclusive approach ensures that the findings are relevant and applicable to a broad audience, so we strongly feel that it provides a valuable framework for organisations, funders, and conference organisers to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for researchers, ultimately contributing to better mental health and more sustainable research practices.”
To find out more about this research, you can visit the project webpage at https://www.sprintproject.org/researcher-mental-health.
Assistant Professor in Sport and Exercise Psychology
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr Mary Quinton is a Lecturer in Lifestyle Behaviour Change
