Full Project Title: Understanding the relationships between self-compassion, psychological distress and wellbeing in endometriosis.
Principal Researcher: Dr RoseAnne Misajon,
Email: roseanne.misajon@cairnmillar.edu.au
Phone: 03 9811 4634
Student Researcher: Angela Briggs
Co-Researchers: Dr Jacquie Mills & Georgia Rush
To Participant:
This Plain Language Information Statement contains information about the research project. Its purpose is to explain to you the procedures involved in this project so that you can make a fully informed decision regarding your participation.
You are invited to participate in the above research project, which is being conducted by Dr RoseAnne Misajon (supervisor) and Angela Briggs (honours student) at Cairnmillar Institute, in collaboration with Jacquie Mills and Georgia Rush (Monash University). The aim of the study is to investigate whether high or low self-compassion levels has an effect on psychological distress, body perception and wellbeing among women with endometriosis.
The study is completely anonymous. No identifying information will be asked. Consent is implied by submission of completion of the survey. Consent indicates that you understand the information and that you give your consent to participate in the research project. The data will be kept securely at Cairnmillar Institute. Once you have read this required material, you can then be invited to commence the survey by clicking a button.
Participation of the research is completely voluntary; if you do not wish to take part in the study you are not obliged to. Should you wish to withdraw from the study at any stage, you are free to do so without prejudice. Participants may withdraw by discontinuing the survey at any time. However, because we do not collect any identifying information (i.e. participation is anonymous), we are unable to remove any data once submitted.
Why is this research being conducted?
The research is being conducted to further knowledge around factors that may impact on women’s experience of endometriosis. In particular, we focus on the role of self-compassion on chronic illness symptomology and health outcomes, such as pain and psychological distress.
Why have I been approached?
The target population of participants in the study includes women aged over 18 with a diagnosis of endometriosis. The researchers are interested in learning about the various experiences of women from a wide range of ages.
Possible benefits
There is no direct benefit to participants. However, this project is important as it will contribute to our understanding of factors that may impact on women’s experience of endometriosis, and potentially influence policy and/or the development of more effective treatment options.
Possible risk
The risks of the research are minimal, however possible psychological distress could occur due to the questionnaire topics on depression, anxiety, stress and body image. Reflecting on endometriosis and the associated psychological issues may cause distress in some participants. If you believe these topics may cause you discomfort or distress, please do not take part in the research. If you have any concerns or distress as a consequence of participating in the study, you can seek help by contacting your GP, Beyond Blue (Phone: 1300 244 636) or Lifeline (Phone: 13 11 14).
If I agree to participate, what will I need to do?
Should you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire providing personal information relating to your endometriosis diagnosis (e.g. “When were you diagnosed with endometriosis?”). Some of the questions will ask you to provide your response in number format, such as “Satisfaction with life as a whole” from 0 (no satisfaction) to 10 (completely satisfied), “I found it hard to wind down” from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (applied to me very much), “I’m kind to myself when suffering” from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always). Some questions will ask you to provide your response on a scale of agreement, such as “I appreciate my body for what it’s doing” strong agree to strongly disagree. Demographic questions will be asked, for example, age, relationship status, and religion, with the main part of the questionnaire asking about your experience of pain, wellbeing, psychological distress and self-compassion levels. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What will happen to the information I provide?
The data you provide will be securely stored on a password-protected computer. Only the research team will have access to the data. It is also important to note that the information collected will be presented as a thesis and potentially also journal articles or as conference papers. Please be assured that there will be no identifying information included in the collection of the data.
This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at The Cairnmillar Institute and will comply with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, 2007).
Who I can contact if I have any questions?
If you would like further information regarding this study, please contact Angela Briggs (11488@cairnmillar.edu.au) or RoseAnne Misajon (roseanne.misajon@cairmmillar.edu.au) at any time. If you have any concerns or complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted or any questions about your rights as a research participant, then you may also contact the Secretary to the Human Research Ethics Committee.
Secretary to the HREC
The Cairnmillar Institute
391-393 Tooronga Road
Hawthorn East VIC 3123
Phone: 03 9813 3400
Email: hrec@cairnmillar.edu.au
How do I get started?
If you would like to participate, please indicate that you have read and understood this information by clicking the “Next” button below this form.
By clicking the “Next” button and proceeding to the following page, I certify that:
· I have read all the information provided in the Plain Language Information Statement and understand that the study will be conducted for research purposes only.
· I understand that my participation is voluntary and I can withdraw from the study at any time, prior to submitting the completed survey.
· I am voluntarily giving my consent for the participation of the current study.
· I have been notified that all the information that I provide will remain confidential.
· I understand that my consent is implied by the submission of the completed survey.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Angela Briggs