Conducting ethical internet-based research with vulnerable populations: a qualitative study of bereaved participants' experiences of online questionnaires.

ABSTRACTBackground: 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 positiv...