• Research Participant Eligibility Survey

    Please read and answer all of the survey to ensure you are eligible for the study.

  • As a student at Liberty University, I have studied the many concepts and practices which greatly influence each of us in our daily lives and in social interactions. The focus of my Doctoral Program is to research and develop a greater understanding of aspects of the human life cycle, how they contribute to ones views, and how we process events on a daily basis.

    Below you will be asked to complete the form to ensure that you meet the criteria for participation in this research project. There are two parts to this study.

    Part 1

    For those who qualify, you will be asked to complete the demographics questions and the initial surveys (approximately 20-30 minutes to complete ) this will be used to identify your group placement for the study.  Upon completion of the first section, you will receive an email within 24-48 hours inviting you back to complete the final portion and will include your code number to enter the study.

    Part 2

    This will include a couple surveys and request a written response to the provided question. This written response does not have a minimum length and there is no consideration given to spelling, punctuation or writing structure. The object is to capture your feelings about the subject presented in approximately 5-7 minutes. The surveys themselves will typically take 5-15 minutes to complete, so the time required for this second section will be guided by the amount of time spent on the writing portion (approximately 30-40 minutes to complete).

    Each part will need to be completed in one setting, the system will not save your information if you exit. Please ensure that you have sufficient time to complete the section before beginning.  

    Upon completion you will receive a debriefing document detailing additional information on the project and contact information. If you have any questions, concerns, or wish to receive notice upon completion of the study, please select this option at the end of the debriefing. As a thank you for your prticipation you will also receive access to mental health workbooks on a variety of counseling topics to guide and support you.

  • Are you between the ages of 18 and 80 as of today?*
  • Do you attest that you read and speak English at least at a 6th grade level?*
  • Do you have access to an internet-enabled device for online participation in the study?*
  • Are you a resident of the United States of America?*
  • Are you currently suffering from any serious mental health condition?*
  • Have you experienced any significant negative events or bereavement in the last 6 months?*
  • Are you a member of the Christian faith (regardless of level of participation)?*

  • Consent

    Principal Investigator:

    Cheryl A Edwards, Doctoral Candidate, School of Behavioral Science, Department of Psychology, Liberty University

    Key Information about the Research Study

    You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must meet the following criteria:

    • Adult aged 18-80 years of age
    • Fluent in English
    • Able to read and comprehend Enflish at a minimum 6th grade level
    • Have access to an internet-enabled device for online participation in the study
    • Reside within the United States of America 
    • Must NOT have experienced a recent bereavement or significant negative event (within the last six months)
    • Must NOT have a current diagnosis of a severe mental illness or suicidal ideation, or be unable to complete the study due to cognitive or physical limitations
    • Identify as a member of the Christian Faith
          

    Things you should know:

    • The purpose of the study is to better understand aspects of the human lifecycle, how they contribute to an individual’s views, and how individuals process events in the moment. If you choose to participate, you will be asked to take part in a set of online surveys, presented in two parts, preceded by a 3-5 minute demographic survey. Part one will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and section two 30-45 minutes. Part one includes the STAI-S (pre-manipulation), MHLC, ROS-R, BFI=10, and the Brief COPE. Part two includes a brief writing task, DAT, STAI-S (post-manipulation), DAS, and a manipulation check.  Groups will be assigned for part two based on responses to part one. 
    • Participants will receive downloadable workbooks on topics of anxiety, self-compassion, grief, and cognitive distortions for self-use.
    • Taking part in this research project is voluntary. You do not have to participate, and you can stop at any time.

     

    Please read this entire form and ask questions before deciding whether to participate in this research.

     

    What is the study about, and why is it being done?

    The purpose of the study is to better understand aspects of the human lifecycle, how they contribute to an individual’s views, and how individuals process events in the moment. I am particularly interested in how certain personality constructs affect how individuals feel after reflecting on various topics which may be negative in nature. 

     

    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:

    Take part in a set of online surveys, presented in two parts, preceded by a 3-5 minute demographic survey. Part one will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and section two 30-45 minutes. Part one includes the STAI-S (pre-manipulation), MHLC, ROS-R, BFI=10, and the Brief COPE. Part two includes a brief writing task, DAT, STAI-S (post-manipulation), DAS, and manipulation check.  Groups will be assigned for part two based on responses to part one. 

    How could you or others benefit from this study?

    Participants should not expect to receive any direct benefit from their participation in the study.  Benefits to society include advances in the understanding of how personal beliefs and coping styles interact and may inform future therapeutic approaches.

    What risks might you experience from being in this study?
     

    The expected risks from participating in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life. The risks involved in this study include the possibility of a temporary feeling of discomfort or anxiety due to the sensitive nature of the writing prompt. To reduce risk, I will monitor participants and provide referral information for counseling services if requested.

    How will personal information be protected?

    • The records of this study will be kept private. Published reports will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a subject. Research records will be stored securely, and only the researcher and the researcher’s faculty supervisor will have access to the records.
    • Participant responses will be kept confidential by replacing names with a unique participant ID number.
    • Data will be stored on a password-locked computer which is supported by a private VPN network and on a removable hard drive kept in a locked desk drawer. The researcher and faculty advisor will have access to the data. After three years, all electronic records will be deleted (hardcopies of the data will not be produced)

    How will you be compensated for being part of the study?

    Participants will receive downloadable workbooks on topics of anxiety, self-compassion, grief, and cognitive distortions for self-use. These resources are meant as reimbursement for the participants’ time and effort.

    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 withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.

    What should you do if you decide to withdraw from the study?

    If you choose to withdraw from the study, please contact the researcherat the email address/phone number included in the next paragraph. Should you withdraw, data collected from youwill be destroyed immediately and not included in this study.

    Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?

    The researcher conducting this study is Cheryl A Edwards. You may ask any questions you have now through the contact button at the top of the webpage. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact her at edwardsdoctoralstudy@gmail.com. You may also contact the researcher’s faculty sponsor, Dr. M. Williams at, mpaster@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 want 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) ensures that human subjects research will be conducted ethically 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.

  • I have read and understood the informed consent document and agree to participate in the study.*
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