Please read the following information carefully.
The University of Worcester engages in a wide range of research which seeks to provide greater understanding of the world around us, to contribute to improved human health and well-being and to provide answers to social, economic and environmental problems.
My name is Mirella Kriisa and I am a 3rd year undergraduate student in University of Worcester School of Psychology Single Honours Psychology course.
I would like to invite you to take part in a research project which involves completing an anonymous online survey. Before you decide to take part it is important for you to understand why the research is being carried out and what it will involve.
What is the purpose of the research?
This study aims to find out the relationship between mindfulness, trait hope and psychological well-being among people aged 18-26 in the UK.
Why have I been invited to take part?
You have received this invitation because you are aged between 18-26 and currently residing in the UK. We are hoping to recruit around 70 participants for this study.
What will happen if I agree to take part?
If you agree to take part you will be asked to complete an anonymous survey online with multiple answers related to mindfulness, wellbeing and hope. The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete.
Do I have to take part?
No. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to take part in this study. And if you are a student of University of Worcester then deciding to take part or not will not impact your studies at the university in any way.
If you do decide to take part, you will be asked at the start of the survey to agree to a number of statements to indicate that you are 18-26 years old, are currently residing in the UK, have read and understood this information and agree to take part in the survey. By submitting the survey, you are providing consent for the data you have given to be used in the study.
At the start of the survey you will be asked to create and make note of a unique code. Create the code by taking the first letter of your first and last name, and the last 3 digits of your phone number.
You can withdraw from the study by closing the survey down without submitting your responses and your data will not be saved. If however you want to withdraw your data after you have completed/returned the survey, please email me at the address given at the end of this information sheet quoting the unique code that you have created. To do this you have 7 days after submitting your answers. Your results will then be deleted. Please ensure that you make a note of my email address to ensure you can withdraw your data. However, by doing that you will give up your anonymity.
What are the benefits for me in taking part?
Participating helps to contribute to more knowledge in the field of positive psychology and better understanding of how hope and mindfulness can truly affect young adults' lives especially in the context of psychological well-being. Participants from University of Worcester will be offered 1 SONA credit for contribution to the research project.
Are there any risks for me if I take part?
The research does not pose any significant risks to the participants. However, the research may cause slight distress but nothing out of the ordinary. If during or after taking part of this study you feel the need for extra support contact the University’s Mental Health Service Team at 01905 54 2832 or email cmh@worc.ac.uk. From Monday to Friday between 9am and 4:30pm and they are available Online (Teams) or In Person. If you are not a student in University of Worcester then please contact your local mental health services centre. For example Samaritans by contacting them at 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
What will you do with my data?
The data you submit will stay confidential at all times. No personal identifiable information will be obtained during or as part of the study. Your answers will be completely anonymous.
The research is being carried out as part of a undergraduate project at the University of Worcester and the results will be presented in the form of an undergraduate dissertation which should be completed by no later than May, 2023. We may submit all or part of this research for publication to academic and/or professional journals and present this research at conferences.
During the project, all data will be kept securely on a password protected university One Drive file and a backup version will be kept on a password protected memory stick, in line with the University’s Policy for the Effective Management of Research Data and its Information Security Policy. The data will be accessible to the researcher and their supervisor.
How long will you keep my data for?
At the completion of the project, we will destroy all data relating to the project.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact me at krim1_20@uni.worc.ac.uk
Who has oversight of the research?
The research has been approved by the Research Ethics Panel for the College of Psychology in line with the University’s Research Ethics Policy.
The University is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and the University Data Protection Officer is Helen Johnstone. For more on the University approach to Information Assurance and Security visit: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/informationassurance/index.html.
If you would like to speak to an independent person who is not a member of the research team, please contact the University of Worcester, using the following details:
Secretary to Research Ethics Panel for College of Business, Psychology and Sport
University of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester WR2 6AJ
ethics@worc.ac.uk
