Participant Information Sheet
Study Title: The relationship between self-compassion, loneliness and excessive worry in individuals with symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder
Researcher: Maria Elena Heredia Bracamontes
ERGO number: 31770
Please read this information carefully before deciding to take part in this research. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you are happy to participate you will be asked to tick a consent box.
What is the research about?
My name is Maria Heredia, I am a MSc Foundations in Clinical Psychology student at the University of Southampton, and the research I am currently conducting is part of a requirement to obtain my masters degree. The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between self-compassion and loneliness, which is an important component of depression, and excessive worry, which is a primary symptom in Generalized Anxiety Disorder. After completing a short demographic questionnaire you will be asked to answer five questionnaires which will explore your levels of self-compassion, anxiety, depression, excessive worry and loneliness.
Why have I been asked to participate?
You have been chosen because you are a student enrolled at the University of Southampton, which is the main criterion to participate in this study.
What will happen to me if I take part?
If you choose to participate you will be asked to answer a short demographic questionnaire and five online questionnaires which will assess your levels of self-compassion, anxiety, depression, excessive worry and loneliness, this process will take approximately 25 minutes. Once you have filled the questionnaires your participation will be complete.
Are there any benefits in my taking part?
Your participation will help add relevant information to the already existing body of knowledge around the subject of self-compassion. Furthermore, it will provide you with insight into your own coping mechanisms. Additionally, you will receive 4 course credits in exchange for your participation.
Are there any risks involved?
There should not be any major risks involved in taking part of this study. However, if you experience any emotional or psychological stress as a result of answering questions about anxiety, depression, excessive worry or loneliness, we have provided a link to a “self-help” website (https://web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/) as well as information of support and counselling services within the university which will aid you in dealing with any psychological discomfort adequately.
Will my participation be confidential?
Your participation will be anonymous (no identifiable information will be asked of you) and confidential. The information you provide will be kept in a password protected storage, which only the researcher and supervisor will have access to. The study will also comply with the Data Protection Act and University Policy.
What should I do if I want to take part?
You will be directed to an online survey, where you will be asked to read an information sheet and tick a box given you consent to participate in the study. Should you have any queries about the study you can also contact the researcher at: meh1n17@soton.ac.uk
What happens if I change my mind?
You have the right to withdraw your participation at any point during the study without your rights being affected. However, since the information provided is fully anonymous, there is no way to withdraw the data once a questionnaire has been submitted.
What will happen to the results of the research?
The results of the study will be written up in the form of a MSc dissertation, which may be considered for publication in a peer reviewed journal. If the participant is interested in knowing the results of the study he or she may contact the researcher at meh1n17@soton.ac.uk and the researcher will send them a copy of the findings.
Where can I get more information?
Should you have any queries about the study you may contact Maria Elena Heredia at meh1n17@soton.ac.uk or Dr Margarita Ononaiye, the supervisor of the project at M.S.Ononaiye@soton.ac.uk
What happens if something goes wrong?
If, during the study, you have cause for concern or complain then you can contact the Research Integrity and Governance Manager at 023 8059 5058, or rgoinfo@soton.ac.uk.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and for considering taking part in this study.
