INFORMATION LETTER
Writers' experience of mental health and wellbeing in the writing process
Dr Kylie Cardell
College of Humanities and Social Science
Flinders University
kylie.cardell@flinders.edu.au
Assoc. Prof. Lydia Woodyatt
College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work
Flinders University
lydia.woodyatt@flinders.edu.au
Description of the study
This project will investigate the experience of writers and how the processes of writing impact on their mental health and wellbeing. The study will involve completion of a questionnaire with both multiple choice and free response questions. You are able to participate in this study if you are over 18 years of age and identify as a writer who is published or seeking to be published for your creative output.
Purpose of the study
This project aims to gain insight into writers' experiences of wellbeing throughout the writing process, including experiences or resources that help to support (or detract from) wellbeing.
What will I be asked to do?
You are invited to complete an online questionnaire that will ask you about some personal characteristics and your writing experiences, and how you feel these may have impacted on your mental health and wellbeing. You will be asked questions about you mental health and wellbeing. Participation is entirely voluntary. You may complete this study at a time that is convenient to you. You can withdraw from the study at any time by closing your browser and exiting the survey. The study will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
What benefit will I gain from being involved in this study?
You will receive no direct benefits from being involved in this study, but your participation will contribute to developing an understanding of writers' experiences of wellbeing throughout the writing process.
Will I be identifiable by being involved in this study?
No identifiable information will be collected for this study, so you will remain completely anonymous. Completed questionnaires will be stored automatically on the secure Flinders University servers.
How long is my data stored for?
Data is kept for a minimum of 7 years and will be available to the research team (and other researchers, if requested) for re-analysis, inclusion in meta-analyses or separate new analysis with the permission of the researchers.
Are there any risks or discomforts if I am involved?
Although we do not perceive there to be great risks, if the task raises any issues for you that you would like to discuss with someone, you can contact the following services for support and counselling:
- If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. Call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week, chat online or email.
- Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, Monday – Sunday between 9am – 5pm AEST or via email helpline@blueknot.org.au.
How do I agree to participate?
Participation is voluntary. It is fine to refuse to participate, to discontinue participation at any time, or to refuse to answer particular questions. You can agree to participate by beginning the study.
Can I withdraw from the survey?
To withdraw from the survey, you can close the browser at any time. However, data from questions you have answered before closing the browser will be stored. To have all your data removed, please contact the researchers directly.
How will I receive feedback?
Outcomes from the project will be summarised and given to you by the investigator if you would like to see them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet and we hope that you will accept our invitation to be involved.
This research project has been approved by the Flinders University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 4473). For more information regarding ethical approval of the project the Executive Officer of the Committee can be contacted by telephone on +61 0 8201 2543 or by email human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au