Participant Information Sheet

Title: Factors involved in the development of anxiety symptoms in those expecting a baby

 

Introduction

My name is Jenni Shaw and I am a Trainee Clinical Psychologist based at the University of Surrey. This means that I already have a degree in Psychology and have gained several years of experience working in mental health services before starting the Doctoral programme. For example, I have worked with people who have experienced difficulties such as depression and anxiety.

As part of my training on the Doctoral Programme, I am conducting a piece of clinically relevant research with members of the public in order to add to the evidence base.

I am researching factors that contribute to anxiety symptoms (e.g., worries) in people expecting a baby because this area is of great interest to me. I have worked with lots of people experiencing anxiety and I would like to further our knowledge in this area. I also hope that the outcome of this research will increase the information about emotional difficulties available to those expecting a baby.  

I would like to invite you to take part in my research. However, before you make a decision I would like you to take the time to read this Information Sheet so that you are fully aware of what I would be asking you to do and what will happen if you agree to participate.

What is the research about?

I am interested the factors involved in the development of anxiety symptoms, such as worries and anxious behaviours in those expecting a baby. In order to learn more about this I need to ask members of the general public who are expecting a baby to answer several questionnaires twice; once during the pregnancy and once 4-8 weeks after birth. This will allow me to look at change over time.

Do I have to take part?

Taking part in the research is entirely your decision. I hope that you will come to your decision based on this Information Sheet and by asking me any questions that you may have. You may also want to discuss the research with people that you know such as your family and friends before you make a decision. If you wish to ask me any questions, my contact details are at the end of this Information Sheet.

If you agree to take part, you can choose to withdraw from the research without giving any reason. This can be done by informing me of your wish to withdraw at any time during the data collection phase which is due to end in January 2015. There will be no adverse consequences if you do decide to withdraw from the study.

What will I have to do?

There are two parts to this study which are outlined below.

Part 1:
In Part 1 of the study I will meet you or contact you by telephone or email (whatever is easiest for you) to discuss the research and answer any questions you may have. If you agree to take part in the study there will be several questionnaires for you to complete, including ones about thoughts, beliefs and behaviours often linked to anxiety, one about your relationships, one about your perceived parenting and one background information questionnaire. This can be done in person, online or by emailing or posting you the questionnaires to complete and send back. It will be important for you to complete all itema on each of these questionnaires, otherwise I will be unable to get the most out of the information you provide. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete the questionnaires.

Part 2
In part 2 of the study  I will contact you 3-4 weeks after your baby’s due date and ask you to repeat the questionnaires (all except the background information questionnaire). This can be done in person, online or by emailing or posting you the questionnaires to complete and send back. It will be important for you to complete these 4-8 weeks after the birth of your baby. Again, it will be important for you to complete every item on all of the questionnaires.

Following the completion of the study, if you agree, you will be entered into a prize draw to win Mothercare vouchers- first prize £25, second prize £15, and third prize £10. Winners will be announced by 1st April 2015 and will be contacted by email or telephone (whichever you would prefer). The closing date for entry into the prize draw will be the end of the data collection; January 2015.

How do I agree to take part?

You can contact me by email or telephone or click the link below. You will be asked to sign a consent form. This will state that you have understood the purpose of the research, what you have been asked to do, and that you have had the opportunity to ask questions. It will also state that all information you provide is confidential and stored securely (in accordance with the Data Protection Act; 1998).

Will my information and my data get shared with anyone else?

As I am a trainee I am supervised by someone senior to me, this is to ensure that I am conducting the research properly and in accordance with ethical principles. All of your personal information will be strictly confidential meaning that your personally identifiable information (your name, where you live, ethnicity, etc.) will be unknown to anyone else, including my supervisor. I will use made up names when talking to my supervisor. My supervisor’s contact details are at the end of this Information Sheet.

No other professional involved in your care will have access to the data from the research.

All information gathered during the research will be securely stored at the University of Surrey in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and will be destroyed after ten years.

What happens when the research is completed?

Research takes time, often years to complete. Researchers like to have their findings published in an academic journal so that other professionals and students can further their learning. If you would like a copy of the final project I can send one to you, as well as any articles if the research gets published. The research will be completed in Spring 2015. If you would like this feel free to contact me by email.
I may get the opportunity to present the research findings at a conference or a professionals meeting. Again, in such instances your personal details will be strictly confidential and no one will be able to identify who you are from the findings.

What are the benefits of taking part?

Participating in this research will add to the body of knowledge on anxiety, especially post-natal anxiety. It will also provide health professionals with information regarding anxiety problems in pregnancy and the post-natal period which will be beneficial to people who experience anxiety during this time. I also hope that the results of this research will help to increase the information on emotional difficulties given to those expecting a baby.

Are there any downsides of taking part?

You may experience anxiety or become upset as a result of completing the research. However, this is not expected and although this may be unpleasant, the researcher will be able to answer any queries that you may have afterwards and will ensure that you have information about appropriate support should you need it. Additional information on how to seek help if you do become distressed by the research will be available from the researcher. However, becoming upset is individual and equally you may not experience this.

What if there is a problem?

If you have any concerns about the research or the way you have been treated, you can contact me or my supervisor; Dr Jason Spendelow at the University of Surrey (contact details at the end).

Has the research been approved?

The research has received favorable ethical opinion by the University of Surrey Ethics Committee.

I hope I have answered all of your questions about the research. However, if you do have any other queries, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information.

 

If you would like to take part in the research email Jenni here

 

Research being conducted by:

Name Jenni Shaw
Title Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Work address School of Psychology, Elizabeth Fry Building, University of Surrey, Guildford
Email j.p.shaw@surrey.ac.uk
Mobile 07818464270 (personal)

Research being supervised by:

Name Dr Jason Spendelow                                                                                                               
Title  Senior Tutor
Work address As above
Work telephone number 01483 689259
Email j.spendelow@surrey.ac.uk