SENSITIVE TOPICS AND ADOLESCENTS: MAKING RESEARCH ABOUT RISK BEHAVIORS HAPPEN

This article discusses conducting research with adolescents as a positive experience, both from a clinical and scholarly perspective. However, topics involving risk-taking behaviors may be especially difficult for adolescents to discuss openly. To implement research protocols with the adolescent population, particularly when dealing with risktaking behaviors, investigators need to be aware of developmental challenges that warrant specific methodological choices. In a pilot study that involved adolescents who had been hospitalized for traumatic injury, the researchers gained valuable experience in conducting a study on substance use. Experiences with this study provide direction for future research about investigating sensitive topics with adolescents.