ABSTRACT Young people who self-exclude from school often cite bullying as a central reason; yet there is a paucity of research on this topic. Moreover, there is no participatory research exploring this issue alongside young people. Using participatory research, we worked with Red Balloon Learner Centres, who provide educational/therapeutic support to young people after self-exclusion. In phase one, we worked with staff and young people to co-develop an understanding of bullying and co-design the research methods and analytical framework for the study. In phase two, young people from across the Centres participated in focus groups. This participatory process highlighted how the intentions and realities of this approach often conflict with one another. Reflections therefore include: Power dynamics : The research team had a wealth of knowledge from lived experiences, to practical knowledge/experiences to academic knowledge. By recognising these contributions, power was perceived as fluid, ever changing as the project developed. Practicalities of participation : Young people had competing priorities and some chose not to participate. We were respectful of this and worked flexibly to provide participation opportunities. Partnership working : Building rapport with Red Balloon was essential for sensitively identifying young people interested in the research and encouraging/supporting them throughout their participation. This research adds to literature on the need for flexibility and responding appropriately to experiences when involving young people in sensitive research. It further offers a strong rationale for involving young people in future studies to develop support that better fits the needs of bullied young people to reduce incidences of self-exclusion.

中文翻译：

---

对探索欺凌和学校自我排斥的参与式研究项目的思考：权力动态、实用性和合作伙伴关系

摘要 自我排除在外的年轻人经常将欺凌作为主要原因；然而，关于这个主题的研究很少。此外，没有与年轻人一起探索这个问题的参与式研究。通过参与式研究，我们与 Red Balloon Learner Centres 合作，他们为自我排斥后的年轻人提供教育/治疗支持。在第一阶段，我们与员工和年轻人合作​​，共同发展对欺凌的理解，并共同设计研究方法和分析框架。在第二阶段，来自各中心的年轻人参加了焦点小组。这一参与过程凸显了这种方法的意图和现实如何经常相互冲突。因此，反思包括： 动力动态：研究团队拥有丰富的知识，从生活经验到实践知识/经验再到学术知识。通过认识到这些贡献，权力被认为是流动的，随着项目的发展而不断变化。参与的实用性：年轻人有相互竞争的优先事项，有些人选择不参与。我们尊重这一点，并灵活地提供参与机会。合作伙伴关系：与 Red Balloon 建立融洽关系对于敏感地识别对研究感兴趣的年轻人并在他们参与过程中鼓励/支持他们至关重要。这项研究增加了有关在让年轻人参与敏感研究时需要灵活性和对经验做出适当反应的文献。