My name is Annabel Avrahami, and I am conducting a research project for my Psychology-honours degree at Monash University. This study is within the framework of Positive Psychology and will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick, a Senior Lecturer at Monash University in the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine.
The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of two positive-psychology interventions on wellbeing, and to examine the impact of individual differences on this relationship. Research examining the effects of such interventions will help progress the field of positive psychology, which aims to help individuals find ways of flourishing and optimising their satisfaction with life.
I am seeking male and female participants who are 18+ years old. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of the three groups: Counting Blessings - which will require participants to write down a list of things they should be grateful for, Best Possible Self – which will ask participants to write down the kind of person they would ideally like to be, or Life Detail – which will involve writing down typical daily activities.
The study should take approximately 30 minutes, and will be completed either on-line or on paper, according to preference, in participants' own time. Participation will involve answering questions about subjective well-being and personal strengths, as well as taking part in the assigned exercise.
Participation in this study is not expected to result in stress beyond normal everyday experiences. However, in the unlikely event that stress is experienced, and you wish to seek professional assistance, you can contact your local community health centre (See http://www.aussieweb.com.au/directory/category.aspx?cid=2323#7061 to search for your local centre) or the Australian Psychological Service on 1800 333 497 outside Melbourne or on 8662 3300 if you are in Melbourne, for a referral to a health professional.
This study will be anonymous. No identifying details will be collected. A report of the study may be submitted for publication in an academic journal. Storage of the data collected will adhere to the University regulations and will be kept on University premises in a locked cupboard or filing cabinet for 5 years.
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary and you may choose not to answer all questions and/or withdraw from the study at any time prior to submitting your questionnaire data.
If you have any queries or would like to be informed of the overall results following the study, please contact me or my supervisor by phone or email using the details which are provided below.
| If you would like to contact the researchers about any aspect of this study, please contact the Chief Investigator: | If you have a complaint concerning the manner in which this research
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Dr. Dianne Vella-Brodrick |
Human Ethics Officer Standing Committee on Ethics in Research Involving Humans (SCERH) Building 3e Room 111 Research Office Monash University VIC 3800 Tel: +61 3 9905 2052 Fax: +61 3 9905 1420 Email: scerh@adm.monash.edu.au |
Thank you.
Student researcher: Annabel Avrahami
Telephone: 0424-802-368
Email: annabel.avrahami@med.monash.edu.au
Chief investigator: Dr. Dianne Vella-Brodrick
Telephone: 03 9903 2542
Fax: 9903 2501
Email: dianne.vella-brodrick@med.monash.edu.au