Experiences of stress-related growth and mental health

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this project is to investigate stress-related growth and mental health in university students and the wider community. A stressful event is an experience of stress or adversity which can cause emotional strain but which does not unduly disrupt a person’s typical functioning. A stressful event is not a traumatic event which involves threatened or actual danger to a person, and which evokes a strong emotional response that can negatively impact daily functioning. Research has typically examined stress in relation to negative psychological outcomes (e.g. anxiety), however, stress can also result in positive psychological outcomes. This project aims to consider how growth and wellbeing can occur following a stressful experience, and what factors might influence this.

Are you looking for people like me?

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are an adult aged 18 or over who has experienced stress in the past 12 months.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation will involve completing a 97-item online survey with Likert scale answers (e.g., strongly agree – strongly disagree). This survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes of your time. You will be asked about demographic information (e.g., age and gender identity), stress-related growth, mental health, stress mindset, sleep quality, social isolation, social support, resilience, coping strategies, and further details of a stressful experience.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are minimal risks associated with your participation in this research project. These potential risks include inconvenience and psychological discomfort. To mitigate these risks, information will be provided to you about support services should you require them. You can complete the survey online at a time and place of your choosing, you do not need to answer questions you feel uncomfortable with, and you can withdraw from the study.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly other than a sense of satisfaction for contributing to the research. The outcomes of the research, however, may benefit existing and future research in the area of stress-related growth and mental health. You can request a brief summary of the outcomes of the study by indicating your interest at the end of the survey. This summary will be sent to you via email after the project has been completed.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To recognise your contribution should you choose to complete and submit the survey, the research team is offering you the chance to win 1 of 2 $100 Giftpay e-gift cards.

Note the opening date for entries is 13 May 2024, the closing date for entries is 25 October 2024 and the prize/s are $100 Giftpay e-gift cards.

Download the terms and conditions of the prize draw

I am interested - what should I do next?

Take the survey