For more information:
Participant Information Sheet
Study Title: Effect of craft at work on wellbeing
Researcher: Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper
ERGO number: 48153
You are being invited to take part in the above research study. To help you decide whether you would like to take part or not, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please read the information below carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear or you would like more information before you decide to take part in this research. You may like to discuss it with others but it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you are happy to participate you will be asked to sign a consent form.
What is the research about?
My name is Emma Palmer-Cooper, and I am a lecturer in Psychology at the University of Southampton. This study is staff research hosted by the University of Southampton. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of creative crafts in promoting wellbeing in the workplace and reducing workplace stress.
Why have I been asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because you are over the age of 18, in full- or part-time employment in the UK and are able to try to craft for at least 2 days a week during working hours.
What will happen to me if I take part?
You will first be required to complete an online survey containing four questionnaires to measure your Perceived Stress, Workplace Wellbeing, Quality of Life, and Mindfulness. You will also be asked to report how often you engaged in crafting activities and how feasible this was during your working day. Questionnaires will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Once you have completed this, you will be asked to partake in regular craft activities on your breaks during your working days for six weeks.
You will be required to complete the survey again both three weeks and six weeks after your initial participation. We will ask you to provide your email at the end of this questionnaire study, using a separate survey link so as not to link your email with your responses.You will receive an email reminder to complete the follow-up surveys three weeks from today, and again six weeks from today. As a participant, your involvement in the study will last for six weeks. The study is expected to run for one year.
Are there any benefits in my taking part?
This study is investigating whether regular craft reduces workplace stress and increases wellbeing, so you may experience these benefits yourself after taking part in craft during your working day. You will also help to improve our current understanding of interventions for work-related stress and wellbeing. Additionally, all participants will be entered into a draw to win a £20 gift voucher.
Are there any risks involved?
Although it is unlikely, there is the possibility that you may become distressed whilst carrying out the questionnaires due to the sensitive nature of some questions. If you do experience any such issues, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.org, or SupportLine on 01708 765200 or by email at info@supportline.org.uk, or visit their website for advice about coping with stress: https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/stress.php. These details will also be given to you at the end of the survey.
What data will be collected?
Demographic information about age, gender identity, ethnicity, and craft experience will be collected in order to understand the sample. The study will take a measure of Perceived Stress, Workplace Wellbeing, Quality of Life, and Mindfulness using four questionnaires, in order to measure the effect of craft on these aspects of your life.
This data will all be handled securely on computers requiring password access that only authorised personnel can access.
We will need to store your email address for the duration of the study in order to email you with the reminder and instructions for you to complete the survey after three weeks and six weeks have passed.
Will my participation be confidential?
Your participation and the information we collect about you during the research will be kept strictly confidential.
Only members of the research team and responsible members of the University of Southampton may be given access to data about you for monitoring purposes and/or to carry out an audit of the study to ensure that the research is complying with applicable regulations. Individuals from regulatory authorities (people who check that we are carrying out the study correctly) may require access to your data. All of these people have a duty to keep your information, as a research participant, strictly confidential.
All data will be kept on password protected computers.
Do I have to take part?
No, it is entirely up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide you want to take part, you will need to tick the checkbox below to show you have agreed to take part.
What happens if I change my mind?
You have the right to change your mind and withdraw at any time without giving a reason and without your participant rightsbeing affected.
You can withdraw by contacting Emma Palmer-Cooper at e.c.palmer-cooper@soton.ac.ukwith your personal ID code that you will create. If you do decide to withdraw, your data will be destroyed.
What will happen to the results of the research?
Your personal details will remain strictly confidential. Research findings made available in any reports or publications will not include information that can directly identify you without your specific consent.
The data and results will be written up to be published.
Participants may request a copy of the results once the research project has been completed.
Where can I get more information?
If you require any more information on the study, please contact Emma Palmer-Cooper at e.c.palmer-cooper@soton.ac.uk.
What happens if there is a problem?
If you have a concern about any aspect of this study, you should speak to the researchers who will do their best to answer your questions. You can contact Emma Palmer-Cooper at e.c.palmer-cooper@soton.ac.uk.
If you remain unhappy or have a complaint about any aspect of this study, please contact the University of Southampton Research Integrity and Governance Manager (023 8059 5058, rgoinfo@soton.ac.uk).
Data Protection Privacy Notice
The University of Southampton conducts research to the highest standards of research integrity. If the survey contains personal data which could identify you then:
1. The University of Southampton is the ‘Data Controller’ for this study, which means that we are responsible for looking after your information and using it properly.
2. The University of Southampton will keep identifiable information about you only for as long as it is necessary to verify and defend, when required, the process and outcomes of the research. Any link between you and your information will be removed as quickly as is feasible, provided your research is not impacted as a result.
3. We will only use your data/information as set out in this Participant Information Sheet and in accordance with our Data Protection Policy and our Privacy Notice for Research Participants.
4. We will not do anything with your personal data that you would not reasonably expect.”
If you have any questions about how your personal data is used, or wish to exercise any of your rights, please consult the University’s data protection webpage where you can make a request using our online form. If you need further assistance, please contact the University’s Data Protection Officer (data.protection@soton.ac.uk).”
Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet and for considering taking part in this research.
The Yarnfulness Project 