Research team contacts
Associate Professor Esben Strodl, School of Psychology & Counselling, QUT
Julia Richards, Psychology and Counselling, QUT
What is the purpose of this research?
The purpose of this research project is to explore how a person’s beliefs about their own thoughts and emotions effects the link between childhood maltreatment and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Are you looking for people like me?
You are invited to participate in the questionnaire if you are 18 years or older and currently reside in Australia. People with a range of childhood experiences are required for this study. Participation is encouraged even if you feel that you did not experience any maltreatment in your childhood.
What will you ask me to do?
Participation will involve completing a 122-item anonymous questionnaire and rating your answers on a scale (for example, 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'). This may take approximately 20-30 minutes of your time. Some general demographic questions will also be asked, such as age, as these factors allow us to understand how participants in this study compare to those in other studies which have explored this research area.
Are there any risks for me in taking part?
Risk of inconvenience: You may be inconvenienced as you are asked to donate 20-30 minutes of your time if you choose to complete the online questionnaire. You can complete the questionnaire at a time that is convenient to you. If at any stage the time burden becomes too much, you are free to stop participation without penalty by closing the web browser. As this questionnaire is anonymous, please note that if you do exit the questionnaire, data will be retained from questions you have already answered.
Risk of psychological distress or harm: You may experience discomfort and/or psychological distress when reflecting on childhood maltreatment, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and feelings about your emotions and cognitions. This may include feelings and thoughts associated with anxiety, anger, sadness, worry, guilt or embarrassment when reflecting on these experiences.
You may also have the perception that completing the questionnaire will provide some direct benefit in terms of treatment or diagnoses, which could potentially be disappointing.
Are there any benefits for me in taking part?
It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. However, it may benefit others experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress by helping researchers further understand the relationship between childhood maltreatment, meta-emotions and meta-cognitions and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.
Will I be compensated for my time?
To recognise your contribution, the research team is offering all QUT students a chance to win 1 of 2 $100 Coles gift cards for participation in this study. Entries close at 11:59pm on 30 June 2024 and prizes will be drawn on 1 July 2024. The winners will be contacted via email to arrange to receive their prize.
First year QUT psychology students can choose to earn 0.5 of a mark (course credit) for completing the questionnaire. Please note, first year QUT students who receive course credit through SONA are not eligible to enter the draw to win a prize.
I am interested - what should I do next?
QUT Ethics Number: 7521