Virtual interviewing with marginalized young adult mothers: appreciating the New Norm

Abstract

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveVirtual interviewing in qualitative research may promote inclusion, diversify samples, and maximize participation, but there is limited research regarding methodological best practices for marginalized study populations. Emerging adult (ages 18–29) and young adult (through age 40) mothers have ongoing stressors and competing responsibilities that may preclude participation with in‐person interviews. The purpose of this article is to describe the processes and experiences of virtual interviewing among young adult mothers living in under‐resourced communities, based on their responses to specific interview questions.Design and SampleAs part of an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of young adult mothers who had previously participated in randomized controlled trials testing an intensive early home visiting intervention. Thirty‐one participants (M = 29.7 years, SD = 2.5) who identified as Black (39%), Hispanic (55%), and White (7%), were interviewed using Zoom.ResultsThe overarching theme was Zoom: Appreciating the New Norm. Identified categories were Practical Benefits of Virtual Interviewing, Sharing Stories, and Drawbacks of Virtual Interviewing.ConclusionFindings support virtual interviewing as a feasible and potentially ideal method for qualitative studies with emerging/young adults. Further research to examine this approach with other marginalized populations may lead to more inclusive representation in qualitative research.