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University of Oxford
Department of Experimental Psychology

 

Information for Participants

Probability and Cost estimates in Health Anxiety


South Parks Road
Oxford

Sorry, this study is now closed - thank you for your interest!

The results of this study were published in the Journal of Anxiety Orders in 2012.

A readable summary of the research can be found here.

A copy of the journal article can be found here (PDF).

Approved by the University of Oxford Central University Research Ethics Committee Ref: MSD/IDREC/C1/2010/38

Purpose of study: To investigate estimates of probability and cost in health anxiety

Invitation
You are invited to participate in this research study.  Before agreeing to volunteer, it is important that you understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part. Thank you for reading this.

What is the purpose of the study?
To investigate how people in the general population with varying levels of health anxiety estimate the likelihood and awfulness of various health-related events occurring.

Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to participate you will be asked to read this information sheet and give your consent on a subsequent form.. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw without penalty at any time and without giving a reason.

This study is NOT suitable for those who are currently receiving treatment for any psychological/ psychiatric problem (e.g. taking medication or receiving therapy).

Measurement of distress
One of the questionnaires used in this research contains items asking about psychological symptoms/distress. If you would find answering such questions distressing or do not wish to reveal such information, you may choose not to take part in this study.

What are the possible risks and benefits of taking part?
There are no known risks involved with any of the tasks we will use. Should you feel uncomfortable for any reason during the completion of questionnaire you may stop and dispose of the questionnaire. Your participation is entirely voluntary and you may withdraw at any time, without giving a reason.

Will my taking part be kept confidential?
Participation and all information collected will be kept confidentially in an anonymous form. The only exception to this is would be in rare circumstances in which it is judged that you or someone else is at risk of serious harm (in which case only information necessary to an emergency would be communicated). Only the research team will have access to the data, which will be held in accordance with the data protection act and destroyed after 10 years. Procedures adhere to the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Oxford Good Practice in Research guidelines.

What will happen to the results of the research?
Anonymised results will be pooled with those of other participants, analysed and subsequently published and/or reported. No written work will identify any individual.

How can I raise a concern?
If you have a concern about any aspect of this project, please speak to the researcher concerned (benmeg@benmeg.com) who will do their best to answer your query. If you remain unhappy and wish to make a formal complaint, please contact Miss C. Green, Medical Sciences Divisional Office, Level 3, John Radcliffe Hospital (email address: ethics@medsci.ox.ac.uk) who will then direct your complaint to the appropriate body.

Further information about this research
The study is being carried out for the Masters in Psychological Research offered by the Department of Experimental Psychology. It has been approved by the University of Oxford, Central University Research Ethics committee. If you have any further questions, in the first instance please contact: