Approaching male intimacy in the sphere of sexual health: reflections on methodological practices in the investigation process

Abstract

When opting to use non-standardized data collection procedures, the critical analysis of research methods considering the particularities of the object of study is essential to ensure a rigorous and productive research process. This article presents some reflections about methodological options and practices that can be used to approach male intimacy, considering men’s experiences with sexual health articulated with social representations and health care utilization. Drawing on the contributions of several authors, we focus on qualitative investigation, the use of interviews for data collection and the selection of and access to participants. Concerning interviews, we highlight the possibilities and challenges of investigator-participant interaction and issues related to the specificities of interviewees and the investigator’s identity.