THE INFORMATION BELOW IS THE SAME COPY THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD RECEIVE PRIOR TO STARTING THE SURVEY.
Does how you treat yourself affect your mental health? The relationship between self-compassion and mental health among a community sample of older adults.
Who am I and why am I doing this research?
My name is Dominik Hamlin, from Auckland, New Zealand. I am conducting this research as part of the requirements for a Master in Science majoring in psychology at Massey University. My research is supervised by Prof Fiona Alpass, Professor of Psychology at the School of Psychology, Massey University.
The purpose of this research is to improve our understanding of factors that protect against mental illness in older adults. Currently, there is limited research focusing on factors, such as self-compassion, that may protect against anxiety and depression. It is my hope that your participation in this research will advance our knowledge of how self-compassion may protect against mental illness and inform future research as well as interventions for older adults.
What is this research about?
This research explores the relationships between self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and acceptance, and mental health, including wellbeing, anxiety and depression among a community sample of older adults. This research will also look at self-compassion’s connection with how we manage our emotions to better understand the link between self-compassion and anxiety and depression.
Do you have to take part?
Your participation is entirely voluntary.
Who can take part?
You are eligible to participate in this research if you are:
- 65 years or older
What will participation involve?
You will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The survey will involve questions about demographics, wellbeing, anxiety, depression and self-compassion as well questions relating to how you manage your emotions. Every question is close-ended and you’ll be asked to select the answer that best fits your situation. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to answer each section of the survey.
It is not expected that the questions in this survey will cause psychological distress. However, if you experience psychological distress from participating in this research you are encouraged to contact 0800 543 354 (Lifeline), 0800 111 757 (Depression Helpline), or for advice on navigating the healthcare system for further support, 0800 725 463 (Seniorline). All of these services are confidential and you do not need to provide your personal details to access support.
What about my privacy?
All of your responses in this survey will be anonymous. All data collected will only be used for research purposes and will stored securely. After a five year period it will be destroyed.
After completing the survey you will have the opportunity receive a summary of the research findings. As an expression of thanks, you will also be able to enter a prize draw to win one of five $50 gift vouchers. Your contact details for this prize draw and research findings are independent of the initial survey and therefore your anonymity will be protected. There is no link between the two data sets other than the time and date. It has been confirmed from previous survey research that contact details provided for a prize draw could not be linked to responses on the initial survey.
Completion and return of the questionnaire implies consent. You have the right to decline to answer any particular question.
Thank for your time and consideration.
Kindest regards,
Dominik Hamlin
Contact information
If you have any questions or queries regarding this project, please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Researcher
Dominik Hamlin
School of Psychology
Massey University
Extramural, Albany
New Zealand
Email:
Supervisor
Prof Fiona Alpass
School of Psychology
Massey University
Wellington
New Zealand
+64 69518062
Email:
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern B, Application SOB 22/10. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact Dr Gerald Harrison, Chair, Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern B, telephone 06 356 9099 x 83570, email