A Qualitative Course-Based Pilot Study: The Lived Experiences of Child and Youth Care Students Regarding the Use of SelfAwareness and Self-Disclosure in Their Education

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a qualitative course-based pilot study, a preliminary or “trial run” inquiry into the lived experience of child and youth care (CYC) students. The focus is on the use of self-awareness and self-disclosure as a major component of the students’ CYC education. Participants were recruited through a purposive, non-probability sampling strategy. The data collection method employed was an open-ended online survey. The thematic analysis led to the identification of two main themes: 1) building competence in practice, and 2) it is uncomfortable and difficult to push through. Findings from this pilot study highlight several research design issues, including the need to revise the data collection and recruitment strategies. In addition, greater attention should be given to establishing a comfortable and safe interviewing environment.

KEYWORDS: child and youth care, course-based research, self-awareness, self-disclosure, qualitative