Project Title: “Putting my best self forward:” An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Self-Care Among Graduate Students in Applied Psychology
Researcher(s): Brent Wachs, Graduate Student, Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, [email protected]
Supervisor: Dr. Stephanie Martin, Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education, (306) 966-5259, [email protected]
Behavioural Research Ethics Approval: BEH #821 Purpose(s) and Objective(s) of the Research:
The purpose of this research is to explore the self-care experiences of graduate students in applied psychology in managing personal, academic, or work-related stress.
Procedures:
This study will consist of a semi-structured interview, meaning that I will have a list of questions that will be asked to allow you to speak to your self-care experiences in managing personal, academic, or work-related stress as a student in graduate studies in applied
psychology. Since it is semi-structured, prompts and follow up questions may be asked, depending on your responses. Once the interview is complete, the student researcher will transcribe and analyze the transcripts. This allows me to build an integral relationship with the data. By listening and re-listening to the interviews while transcribing, I have the opportunity to return to the data and continue to build a deeper understanding of what has been shared before moving on to analysis, coding, and the development of themes across transcripts.
The individual interview will be conducted in person at the Qualitative Research Lab, Arts Building, 9 Campus Drive, on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The interviews will last approximately 45–90 minutes and will be audio recorded and then transcribed by the student researcher. Data from these recordings will be used for my (Brent Wachs) thesis. Data from the interview may be represented in the thesis through direct quotations. However, any identifying information will be removed, except for your chosen pseudonym.
time as a graduate student in applied psychology. Difficult memories may surface. However, you have the right to refuse to answer any questions that I ask, and you have the right to stop discussing topics at any time. You have the right to ask that the audio recorder be turned off at any time. If you experience any emotional discomfort as a result of your participation, a list of counselling supports in the city of Saskatoon is attached to this document.
Potential Benefits:
There are potential benefits of this study, however, they are not guaranteed. Talking about your self-care experiences in managing personal, academic, or work-related stress may allow you to gain a deeper understanding of your experience. Your participation may also lead to greater awareness of the challenges and stressors experienced by graduate students in applied psychology, enhanced dialogue on student development in the area of self-care and wellness, and the development of stress-management interventions for supporting students, led by the academic environment and incorporating student driven solutions.
Compensation:
Since the interviews will take place on the University of Saskatchewan campus, I will provide an honorarium ($20 gift certificate) to defray the cost of parking, daycare, etc. Participants who withdraw during the interview will still receive the gift card.
Confidentiality:
The results of this study will be discussed in a thesis required for completion of a master’s degree. The findings will be available to the public through the thesis database. Any direct quote taken from the interview may be used; however, any identifying information about you and/or your circumstances will be changed, and names will be replaced with a pseudonym of your choice.
Storage of Data:
Data will consist of audiotapes and transcripts. The data and consent forms will be securely stored at the University of Saskatchewan by the faculty supervisor, Dr. Stephanie Martin in a locked office cabinet, for a minimum of five years upon the completion of the study. Consent forms will not be linked with the data and will be stored separately from the data. The student researcher shall be able to verify the authenticity of all data, or other factual information, generated in his research, while ensuring that confidentiality is protected where required. When the data is no longer required after the five-year retention period has passed, the student researcher will electronically wipe the data, deleting and destroying it beyond recovery.
Right to Withdraw:
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You can choose whether to be in this study or not. If during the interview phase any question makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to skip that question. You will be able to request stoppage of the taping at the time during the interview and can request removal of a particular comment you have made. Participants will not have the opportunity to review and revise their statements after the interview, and prior to the data being included in the final report.
You are free to withdraw from the research project for any reason, without explanation or penalty of any sort. Should you choose to withdraw, you will be required to notify the student researcher in person, or via email, of your intention to withdraw. Any information gathered will be destroyed beyond recovery and you will still be given the reimbursement described above. Your right to withdraw data from the study will apply up until June 20th, 2019, as data analysis will begin. After this point, it is possible that some form of research
dissemination will have already occurred. Follow up:
Upon completion of the interview, feel free to contact the student researcher, Brent Wachs, or the supervisor, Dr. Stephanie Martin at the numbers provided above to obtain results from the study.
Questions or Concerns:
If you have any questions regarding the study, feel free to contact the student researcher, Brent Wachs, or the supervisor, Dr. Stephanie Martin at the numbers provided above. The University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board has approved this research project on ethical grounds. Any questions regarding your rights as a participant may be addressed to that committee through the Research Ethics Office [email protected] (306) 966-2975. Out of town participants may call toll free (888) 966-2975.
Consent:
Your signature below indicates that you have read and understand the description provided and have had an opportunity to ask questions and my/our questions have been answered. I consent to participate in the research project. A copy of this consent form has been given to me for my records.
There are two options for you to consider if you decide to take part in this research. Please put a check mark on the corresponding line(s) that grants me your permission.
You may use direct quotations from my interview: Yes: ____ No: ____ The pseudonym I choose for myself is: ______________________________
_________________________ _________________________ _______________
Name of Participant Signature Date
_________________________ ____________________ Researcher’s Signature Date
A copy of this consent form will be left with you, and a copy will be taken by the researcher.