PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM

Title of Research Project: An exploration of the role of self-compassion and mindfulness in relation to the experience of distressing voices.

Please check the box Researcher(s): James Dudley, Dr Catrin Eames & Dr John Mulligan

1. I confirm that I have read and have understood the information sheet dated [21/09/14] for the above study. I have had the opportunity to consider the information, ask questions and have had these answered satisfactorily.

2. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any time without giving any reason, without my rights being affected. In addition, should I not wish to answer any particular question or questions, I am free to decline.

3. I understand that, under the Data Protection Act, I can at any time ask for access to the identifiable information I provide and I can also request the destruction of that information if I wish.

4. I understand that confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained and it will not be possible to identify me in any publications.

5. I agree to take part in the above study.

Participant Debriefing Sheet

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. Your contributions are vital in expanding our knowledge of the experience of hearing voices and will help in the development of psychological approaches to helping people who hear distressing voices.

The study aimed to explore whether those who are more compassionate and kind to themselves would experience less distress from their voices. Past research has shown that being self-compassionate is linked to more positive outcomes for people experiencing psychosis, anxiety, depression and other difficult experiences. We also aimed to

investigate whether those who are more ‘mindful’ of their voices experience less distress than those who are not. Being mindful of voices involves being able to ‘take a step back’

and accept the presence of a voice instead of reacting with confrontation, resistance or avoidance.

We appreciate that the experience of hearing voices is unique to every individual and that what helps one person may not help the next. We hope that this study will help to add to our understanding of the most effective ways of reducing distress for those who struggle with distressing voices.

Prize draw

If you provided a contact email address you will be entered into a prize draw with a change to win one of six £25 Amazon vouchers as way of thanks for your contribution. If you are selected as a winner you will be contact at the end of the study with information on claiming your prize.

Study updates

We have created a blog to keep participants up to date on the progress of the study and

further information in our field of research for those who are interested. You can access this via the following link: http://hearingvoicesresearch.org.uk

Study results

If you provided a contact email address you will be sent a summary of the study findings upon completion of the study. This is estimated to be around July 2016.

Has participation in this study caused you any distress?

If the study has caused you any distress and you require support we would strongly advise contacting one of the following services:

The Samaritans

Around the clock confidential emotinal support line.

Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Email: [email protected]

(Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

MIND

MIND provide a range of advice and information on the following topics:

 Types of mental health problem

 Where to get help

 Medication and alternative treatments

 Advocacy

Tel: 0300 123 3393 Email: [email protected]

(Lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays)

SANE

Out of hours helpline providing information and advice on mental health. Emotional and

crisis support for people experiencing mental illness and for their families, carers friends.

Tel: 0845 767 8000

(Lines are open 6pm to 11pm, 365 days a year)

Hearing Voices Network

The hearing voices network offer information, support and understanding to people who hear voices and those who support them.

Tel: 0114 271 8210

Email: [email protected]

Alternatively it may be advisable to contact your GP.

Do you wish to make a complaint?

If you wish to complain or have any concerns about any aspect of the way you have been treated during this study, you can approach the study Chief Investigator Dr Catrin Eames between 9am and 5pm (0151 794 5534 or [email protected]).

Alternatively, you can contact the Research Governance Officer (0151 794 8290 or [email protected]). When contacting the Research Governance Officer, please provide details of the name or description of the study (so that it can be identified), the researcher(s) involved, and the details of the complaint you wish to make.

Who can I contact for further information?

James Dudley (Trainee Clinical Psychologist) T: 07500949454; E: [email protected] Dr Catrin Eames (Chief Investigator, Lecturer) T: 0151 794 5609, E:

[email protected]

Dr John Mulligan (Field Supervisor, Clinical Psychologist)

[email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to read this. You should keep this debriefing sheet for future reference

Advertising material

We are conducting research into unusual sensory experiences such as hearing voices which others cannot hear. Below you will find the details of two research studies; one of these studies also requires people who do not have these experiences at all. You have the option to complete one, both or neither of the studies by clicking on the links listed.

STUDY ONE: Self-compassion, mindfulness and distressing