What You Need to Know to Participate
This document provides information to help you decide whether to join this research study. It is important you understand the responsibilities, risks and benefits of participating.
Informed Consent Form
Study Title: Exploring the Impact of Daily Journaling on Stress Levels
Principal Investigator: Dr. Alex Johnson
Affiliation: Department of Psychology, East Providence University
Contact Information: alex.johnson@epu.edu | (401) 555-1234
1. Introduction and Purpose of the Study
You are invited to participate in a research study examining how daily journaling affects stress levels among adults. The goal is to understand whether regular journaling can serve as an effective stress-reduction technique.
2. Procedures
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to:
- Complete an initial questionnaire about your current stress levels and journaling habits.
- Engage in daily journaling for 15 minutes over a two-week period.
- Submit weekly reflections on your experience.
- Complete a final questionnaire assessing any changes in stress levels.
The total time commitment is approximately 4 hours over two weeks.
3. Potential Risks and Discomforts
There are no known significant risks associated with this study. However, reflecting on personal experiences may evoke emotional responses. Should you feel discomfort, you may skip any questions or discontinue participation at any time.
4. Potential Benefits
While there may be no direct benefit to you, participating could provide insights into personal stress management techniques. Additionally, your involvement will contribute to research that may benefit others in the future.
5. Confidentiality
All information collected will be kept confidential. Data will be coded to remove identifying information and stored securely. Only the research team will have access to the data. Results may be published in academic journals but will not include any information that could identify you.
6. Compensation
Participants who complete the study will receive a $20 gift card as a token of appreciation.
7. Voluntary Participation
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
8. Questions
If you have any questions about the study, please contact Dr. Alex Johnson at alex.johnson@epu.edu or (401) 555-1234.
Consent Statement
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the information provided above, have had the opportunity to ask questions, and agree to participate in this study.
Participant Name (Printed): ____________________________
Participant Signature: _________________________________
Date: ____________
Researcher Signature: _________________________________
Date: ____________