Participatory Qualitative Data Analysis with Queer Youth: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Sexual Violence Prevention Research

The complex landscape of sexual violence prevention among queer youth necessitates innovative research methodologies that prioritize the voices and experiences of the target population. A recent study, conducted as part of the QueerPar project and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) from 2022 to 2024, delves into the intricacies of participatory qualitative data analysis involving queer young people. This research, detailed in an article published in Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, highlights the critical, yet often underutilized, role of non-academic participants in the data analysis phase of research. The findings offer valuable insights and practical recommendations for future participatory research endeavors focused on sexualized violence within this demographic.

The QueerPar project’s overarching goal was to develop targeted prevention measures and counseling services to address sexualized violence specifically for queer young people. While participatory research aims to involve community members throughout the research process, a common challenge, particularly in research with vulnerable populations like queer youth, is their less frequent inclusion in data analysis compared to other research stages. This study, therefore, focuses on reflecting on the experiences of participatory qualitative data analysis of group discussions with queer young individuals, aiming to inspire and guide subsequent research in this sensitive and crucial area.

The DEPICT Model and Participatory Data Analysis

Central to the study’s methodological approach is the adaptation and application of the DEPICT model for participatory qualitative health promotion research analysis, as outlined by Flicker and Nixon (2015). The DEPICT model, standing for Data, Empowerment, Participation, Information, Community, and Transformation, provides a framework for integrating the perspectives of non-academic stakeholders in the analysis of qualitative data. This approach moves beyond traditional research paradigms where data analysis is solely the domain of academics, recognizing that those with lived experience possess invaluable insights.

The researchers describe the preparatory steps undertaken for the participatory analysis workshops. These included establishing ethical and methodological considerations that are particularly pertinent when engaging with queer youth on the sensitive topic of sexual violence. Building trust, ensuring confidentiality, and creating safe spaces are paramount. The article details the selection of participants, emphasizing the importance of recruiting individuals who represent the diversity within the queer youth community. Finally, it outlines the actual realization of the participatory analysis workshops, where the non-academic participants actively engaged in interpreting the collected data.

Challenges and Opportunities in Practice

The article candidly addresses the challenges encountered during the participatory data analysis. These may include power dynamics between researchers and participants, potential for re-traumatization when discussing sensitive topics, ensuring equitable participation, and managing differing interpretations of the data. The complexities of working with a diverse group of young people, each with their unique experiences and perspectives, can also present analytical hurdles. For instance, ensuring that the analysis accurately reflects the nuances of experiences related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersectional identities is a significant undertaking.

However, the study also underscores the profound opportunities presented by participatory data analysis. By involving queer youth directly in the interpretation of their own experiences, the research gains a deeper, more authentic understanding of the issues. This co-creation of knowledge can lead to more relevant, effective, and culturally sensitive prevention strategies and support services. Furthermore, participatory analysis can be an empowering process for participants, fostering a sense of agency and contributing to their personal and collective well-being. The article cites previous work on participatory research with young people (e.g., Althaus, 2024; Franks, 2011) and with LGBTQ+ youth (e.g., Felner et al., 2022; Osborne et al., 2025), highlighting the growing recognition of these benefits.

Recommendations for Future Research

Based on their experiences, the authors formulate key recommendations for future participatory research on sexualized violence with queer young people. These include:

• Robust Ethical Frameworks: Prioritizing trauma-informed approaches, ensuring informed consent, establishing clear guidelines for data handling and dissemination, and providing ongoing support for participants. The "Bonner Ethik-Erklärung" (Poelchau et al., 2015) and guidelines on research ethics in contexts of sexualized violence (Christmann et al., 2018; Hagemann-White, 2016) serve as foundational references.
• Methodological Adaptations: Tailoring data analysis methods to be accessible and engaging for young participants. This might involve visual aids, group activities, and facilitated discussions that cater to different learning styles and comfort levels. The use of transcription tools like those described by Dresing and Pehl (2018) can be a starting point, but the interpretation requires careful consideration of the participants’ input.
• Building Trust and Rapport: Investing time in building strong, respectful relationships with participants is crucial. This involves genuine engagement, active listening, and a commitment to valuing their contributions. The concept of "Beziehung als Voraussetzung partizipativer Forschung" (Huber & Muller, 2019) is central here.
• Addressing Power Imbalances: Researchers must be mindful of their position and actively work to mitigate power differentials. This can involve de-centering academic expertise and creating an environment where all voices are valued equally. The ongoing discussion around empowerment in participatory research (Märker et al., 2026; Rosenlechner-Urbanek & Berner, 2026) is highly relevant.
• Sustainable Engagement: Considering how to sustain engagement beyond the immediate research project, potentially through co-creation of resources or community-based initiatives that stem from the research findings.
• Compensation and Recognition: Acknowledging and valuing the time, effort, and expertise of participants through appropriate compensation and recognition, as discussed in the context of research with children and young people (Tisdall et al., 2025; Wendler et al., 2002).

The Broader Context: Sexual Violence and Queer Youth

The research by Etzel, Stehr, von Denkowski, and Wazlawik is situated within a critical and urgent context. Statistics consistently show that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Studies on anti-LGBT victimization in the United States (Meyer & Flores, 2025) and prevalence data on sexualized violence against children and adolescents in Germany (Erkens et al., 2021) underscore the pervasive nature of these issues. Queer youth are often at the intersection of multiple forms of marginalization, making them particularly vulnerable to sexual violence.

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has recognized the importance of addressing sexualized violence in educational contexts through dedicated funding lines (BMBF, 2016). The QueerPar project aligns with this commitment by focusing on a demographic that has historically been underserved and often misrepresented in research and policy. Previous research has highlighted the specific challenges faced by queer youth, including issues related to coming out, identity development, and navigating social environments (Krell & Oldemeier, 2015; Krell & Oldemeier, 2016; Krell & Oldemeier, 2018; Kugler, 2017). Furthermore, the intersection of sexual violence and queer identities is a growing area of concern, with research beginning to explore the unique experiences of trans, inter*, and non-binary individuals (Timmermanns et al., 2021; Täubrich et al., 2022).

Author Expertise and Project Background

The authors of the article bring a wealth of expertise to this research. Adrian Etzel, a research associate at Hochschule Hannover, is currently pursuing a doctorate on the coping mechanisms of adult queer survivors of childhood and adolescent sexual violence. Jasmin Stehr, also a research associate at Hochschule Hannover, focuses her sociological research on the pedagogical approaches to sexuality and sexualized violence. Professor Cordula von Denkowski, with a background in psychology and development studies, brings extensive experience in participatory research and research ethics. Professor Martin Wazlawik, specializing in social work with a focus on child and youth welfare, contributes his expertise in the prevention, intervention, and processing of sexualized violence. This multidisciplinary team, grounded in academic rigor and practical experience, provides a strong foundation for the QueerPar project and the subsequent publication.

Implications and Future Directions

The findings from this participatory data analysis have significant implications for the development of effective interventions and support systems for queer youth experiencing or at risk of sexualized violence. By centering the lived experiences and analytical insights of queer young people, the QueerPar project is poised to generate recommendations that are not only evidence-based but also deeply resonant with the needs and realities of the target population.

The ongoing availability of downloadable data is anticipated, though currently not yet accessible. This suggests that the research may offer opportunities for further analysis and collaboration, contributing to the broader academic and practitioner discourse on sexual violence prevention and participatory research methodologies. The DOI (https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-27.3.4550) for the article ensures its accessibility and discoverability within the scholarly community.

In conclusion, the reflections from the QueerPar project’s participatory qualitative data analysis offer a vital contribution to the field. By illuminating the challenges and celebrating the opportunities inherent in co-analyzing data with queer youth, this research provides a roadmap for more inclusive, ethical, and impactful approaches to understanding and combating sexualized violence. The commitment to involving the target population in every stage of the research process, particularly in the critical phase of data interpretation, holds the key to developing truly effective and empowering solutions.