Consent
Project Title: Differences in Coping Outcomes Among Healthcare Workers in Rural and Urban Healthcare Settings: The Role of Spirituality
Principal Investigator: Lisa Yancey, Doctoral Candidate, School of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Invitation to be Part of a Research Study
You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must be at least 18 years of age, a healthcare worker, and working in a rural work setting, including direct care workers, those working as support, and those in health management. Taking part in this research project is voluntary.
Please take time to read this entire form and ask questions before deciding whether to take part in this research.
What is the study about, and why is it being done?
The study aims to investigate the association between spiritual coping and stress among healthcare workers in rural and urban healthcare settings.
What will happen if you take part in this study?
If you agree to be in this study, I will ask you to do the following things:
1. Complete an anonymous survey including pertinent demographic information to assess stress, anxiety, and daily spiritual and coping experiences. This questionnaire should take at most 10-15 minutes to complete.
How could you or others benefit from this study?
Participants should not expect to receive a direct benefit from taking part in this study.
Benefits to society include identifying religion and spirituality as substantial reservoirs of solace and assistance for individuals grappling with diverse life stressors and adversities. Through examining spirituality, psychology can understand how individuals employ their faith, beliefs, and spiritual practices as mechanisms for dealing with challenging circumstances. This comprehension aids the field of psychology in gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate nature of human coping mechanisms, thereby enhancing their knowledge regarding a wide range of coping strategies.
What risks might you experience from being in this study?
The risks involved in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life.
How will personal information be protected?
The records of this study will be kept private. Research records will be stored securely, and only the researcher will have access to the records.
· Participant responses will be anonymous.
· Data will be stored on a password-locked computer. After three years, all electronic records will be deleted.
Is study participation voluntary?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free to not answer any question or withdraw at any time prior to submitting the survey without affecting those relationships.
What should you do if you decide to withdraw from the study?
If you withdraw from the study, please exit the survey and close your internet browser. Your responses will not be recorded or included in the study.
Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?
The researcher conducting the study is Lisa Yancey. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact her at lyancey3@liberty.edu. You may also contact the researcher’s faculty sponsor, Dr. Jerry Green, at jgreen244@liberty.edu.
Whom do you contact if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher, you are encouraged to contact the IRB. Our physical address is Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA, 24515; our phone number is 434-592-5530, and our email address is irb@liberty.edu.
Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is tasked with ensuring that human subjects research will be conducted in an ethical manner as defined and required by federal regulations. The topics covered and viewpoints expressed or alluded to by student and faculty researchers are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Liberty University.
Your Consent
Before agreeing to be part of the research, please be sure that you understand what the study is about. You can print a copy of the document for your records. If you have any questions about the study later, you can contact the researcher using the information provided above.