Information for Participant

1. Study Title and Researcher(s) Details

Title: Mental Health, Sleep Behaviours and Associated Stigma and Help-Seeking Behaviours Among UK South Asian University Students

Researcher Details:

Name: Aaisha Asif Khan
Course: PGT Psychological Science (Conv.) (MSc)
E-mail: 2174990A@student.gla.ack.uk

2. Research Invitation

As an MSc student at the University of Glasgow, I am conducting a research study as a part of my Dissertation Project and would like to invite you to participate. Before you decide to take part, it is important you understand the basis of the research and what it will involve. Please take a few moments to read the following information carefully. If you wish, you may discuss the contents with others or, if you remain unsure, feel free to contact me (my details are at the beginning and end of this page). You may take your time to consider your decision to participate. Thank you for reading this and your interest in the present research study.

3. What is the purpose of the study?

Student populations are known to have high incidences of poor sleep behaviours and mental health. Students also have high rates of stigma toward mental health and, therefore don’t engage in adequate help-seeking behaviours. However, as research regarding these elements has been lacking within South Asian student populations, the present study aims to do so. Through your participation, your answers can assist the development of tailored interventions and coping strategies for university students during periods of difficulty.

4. Why have I been chosen?

You have been chosen to participate in this study as you are a current UK university student and have expressed an interest in the study’s social media description regarding mental health within university students. You may have also been considered due to your South Asian background, being from the following countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal.

5. What’s involved if I agree to take part?

To extend the current understandings of the relationships between sleep behaviours, mental health, stigma and subsequent help-seeking behaviours, this research will require participants to complete a survey. You may complete this survey at a location of your choice, however, allow yourself at least 10-15 minutes to do so. The survey will contain questions measuring each concept of interest. You will also be asked to complete a separate survey before the main experiment regarding your demographic information (age, gender, level of study, your permanent residence and, your ethnicity). After completing the experiment, you will be directed to a final page, consisting a debriefing form.

6. What will happen to the results of the research study?

Your responses will be recorded, analysed and then written up by me (the Researcher), presenting an anonymised summary of participants’ results in an MSc Dissertation. An important note regarding the experiment is that the outcomes/ responses are in no way an evaluation of you as an individual but only for the purposes of research.

7. Do I have to take part? and Are there any risks?

If you feel this research study is suited to you and your interests, your participation will be much appreciated. If you would like to participate you may proceed by giving consent and completing the full survey. It is vital you remember that you may withdraw from the study either before, during or after without requiring a reason or, if you don’t feel comfortable to answer any question, don’t feel obligated to do so. I understand the sensitive nature of the concerned topics (mental health, stigma and help-seeking) and so, respect any decisions to withdraw participation. If you require further professional assistance, I have also provided additional contacts below and further resources within the experimental debrief at the end.

8. Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?

It is important to note that any personal information you provide for the experiment will not be revealed and will be made completely anonymous. All of your responses will be analysed and discussed in grouped or anonymised format. All collected data will be stored in a password-protected file and computer and, after completion of the research project, will be kept, protected in the University of Glasgow’s network for 10 years.

9. Who is organising this research?

This research is being conducted as part of an MSc Dissertation and is being supervised by Dr Maria Gardani. The study has been granted ethical approval from the University of Glasgow School of Science and Engineering Ethics Committee.

10. Who can I contact if I want more information?

If you would like more information or have any concerns regarding any aspect of the study (before or after experiment) or, if you would like an anonymised summary of group results, please do not hesitate to contact me or my supervisor (information below)

Many thanks for your interest,

Researcher: Aaisha Asif Khan - E-mail: 2174990A@student.gla.ack.uk

Course: PGT Psychological Science (Conv.) (MSc)

Supervisor: Dr Maria Gardani - E-mail: maria.gardani@glasgow.ac.uk

By clicking on the below tab “Full Questionnaire Set”, you confirm you have read and understood all the above information, had the opportunity to ask questions using the contact details provided and therefore, consent to participating in the present study.

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