The Research Relationship as a Facilitator of Remoralization and Self-Growth: Postearthquake Suffering and Healing

Abstract

In new-paradigm research, empathic witnessing by the researcher might create within the researcher—participant relationship a space for participants to share and transcend their suffering. I explore this theme through the constructionist grounded theory analysis of interviews, fieldnotes, and my self-reflexive commentary from an original study conducted to understand the experiences of suffering and healing among the survivors of an earthquake that occurred in India in 2001. The five categories that emerged—getting overwhelmed while verbalizing suffering, search for the cultural meaning of the research relationship, piecing together of self, reaffirmation of moral status, and continuing bond revalidating the self—provide insights about this theme. Also, my reflections on participants’ suffering and healing not only facilitated my healing but also inspired me to expand my boundary of I to feel “oneness” with all forms of nature or existence. The findings and discussion not only enhance understanding of the communications and complexities of the researcher—participant relationship, but indicate the nature of support and education needed if researchers are to be effective witnesses to suffering.