Stress Management Programme
Comparing the Effects of Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions to reduce stress among social and health care workers: a randomised trial.
You are invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. This Participant Information Sheet tells you about the purpose, risks and benefits of this research study. If you agree to take part, we will ask you to give an electronic signature on a Consent Form as part of the questionnaire. If there is anything that you are not clear about, we will be happy to explain it to you. Please take as much time as you need to read this information. You should only consent to participate in this research study when you feel you understand what is being asked of you, and you have had enough time to think about your decision. Thank you for reading this.
Purpose of the Study
This study is concerned with the usefulness of online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to reduce the experience of stress for social and health care workers. Previous research has shown that stress management interventions can decrease the amount of stress experienced by social and health care workers, as well as helping people to manage their stress more effectively. The study will require approximately 2 weeks to complete.
Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be given this Information Sheet and be asked to sign a Consent Form. If you decide to take part you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. A decision to withdraw at any time, or a decision not to take part, will not affect your rights in any way.
What will happen to me if I take part?
The study is based online, therefore, in order to participate, you will need to have access to the internet, and a functioning email address. You will first be asked to fill out a questionnaire. This will ask you about your characteristics (e.g. age, gender, occupation etc.), your stress levels, and your general health. This questionnaire should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. You will then receive an email which will inform you which group you have been randomly assigned to. Assignment is completely random, and is done so that we will be able to tell if the interventions were effective or not. Both interventions will last for 2 weeks, though each intervention will teach you slightly different skills to help you to manage your stress. Both groups will also be asked to fill out another questionnaire immediately after completing the intervention (i.e. in 2 weeks).
How long will my part in the study last?
The techniques you learn to help manage your stress take some time and practice. Both programmes will run for 2 weeks, and will be comprised of three separate sessions. The first 2 sessions should be completed in the first week of the programme, and the 3rd session should be completed in the second week. Therefore, the programme will take 2 weeks in total to complete.
What are the possible benefits in taking part?
The main benefits of taking part in this study are that you will learn how to manage and cope with stress. This study aims to teach you methods of effectively dealing with stressful events throughout your life, and not solely during the course of the experiment. Lower levels of stress are associated with more health benefits and lower levels of depression, therefore taking part in this study could also impact upon your quality of life in the long term. Furthermore, each participant that completes the intervention will be entered into a draw for a €100 voucher.
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
The study includes a questionnaire that measures your well-being in the recent past. You might find, while you are answering it, that you would like to talk to someone about some of the issues it raises. We will be happy to recommend someone to you. You are also free to withdraw from the study at any time and without reason.
What happens at the end of the study?
When all participants have been tested (this should be within 4 months of your participation), you will receive a summary of one or 2 pages of the main findings. While it could be up to 2 years before final results are published, we would be pleased to include you on an address list to receive publications arising from the study. Only general findings will be reported, without reference to identifiable individual results.
What happens if I change my mind during the study?
You are entitled to change your mind about participating in this at any time without disadvantage or penalty. However, if you decide to withdraw from the study for any reason, it would be greatly appreciated if you could let the researcher know your reasons for doing so.
Who do I contact for more information or if I have further concerns?
If you have any further concerns or require more information about the study, do not hesitate to contact me via email: k.barrett7@nuigalway.ie. Alternatively you may contact Dr. Ian Stewart (Supervisor), 091-493569, or Dr. Padraig MacNeela (Padraig.macneela@nuigalway.ie), 091-493098.
If you have any concerns about this study and wish to contact someone in confidence, you may contact: The Head, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway.