The art of ‘sensitive’ supervision: supporting, sharing and strengthening

Mallon, Sharon; Borgstrom, Erica and Murphy, Sam (2025). The art of ‘sensitive’ supervision: supporting, sharing and strengthening. In: Liamputtong, Pranee ed. Handbook of Sensitive Research in the Social Sciences. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, pp. 55–63.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035315239.00011

Abstract

The dynamic nature of research processes can mean even researchers who are highly experienced may struggle to make the transition towards supporting students working on similar topics. In sensitive research, the emotional responses we bring to these areas mean effective and safe supervision is essential for robust and effective doctoral-level study. In this chapter, three experienced doctoral supervisors will share their personal experiences of supervising students across a range of sensitive subjects, from suicide attempts and self-harm to end-of-life care. The focus of this work is firsthand, revealing reflections on the challenges of this type of supervision, including issues related to setting realistic expectations, re-traumatisation, boundary maintenance and risk management in both students and participants. Throughout the chapter, we also provide practical suggestions that can guide academics embarking upon this type of work or those who want to learn more about how to better support their students.

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