School of Psychology,
Deakin University

My name is Kerri Coomber and I am conducting a research project with Dr Ross King, a senior lecturer in the School of Psychology towards a PhD at Deakin University.  This means that I will be preparing a thesis. I would like to invite you to participate in this research.
Please read this Plain Language Statement carefully.

As you will be aware, caring for someone with an eating disorder is an emotionally taxing experience. Surprisingly, little research has been conducted to address this issue, especially the changes over time. This study will survey the caregiving experience over a 9 month period in order to understand how this changes over time.  As you know, caring for someone with an eating disorder has many demands which impact upon your general health and level of experienced burden.  Availability and satisfaction with social support, the different ways you may cope with the situation, your needs as a carer, such as information, and how you are able to deal with everyday problems can all impact upon you as a carer.

You are invited to participate in this research project because you are a carer of an individual with an eating disorder. Possible benefits of the research project include an opportunity for you as a carer to tell your story and convey the extent to which caring for an individual with an eating disorder affects you physically and emotionally. As such, a better understanding of the carer experience may be gained so that appropriate support or programs can be implemented. 

Participation in this project is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part you are not obliged to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw with no consequence to you. 

Participation in this project will involve completion of the same online questionnaire three times over the course of 9 months. You will need to complete the initial online questionnaire with follow up ones at 4½ months and 9 months later. You will also need to provide a valid email address so that follow-up online questionnaires can be completed. This information will be encrypted and coded and kept separately to your questionnaire to maintain confidentiality. Each questionnaire will be divided into two main sections.

(e.g. Whom can you count on to console you when you are very upset?)

(e.g. I have to try not to criticise him/her)

(e.g. I’ve been getting emotional support from others)

(e.g. Lost much sleep over worry?)

(e.g. Feeling that there could have been something I should have done?)

(e.g. Were there arguments or tension during mealtimes?)

(e.g. Have you received enough information about the following areas?)

This online questionnaire will take approximately 1½ hours to complete. We appreciate that the questionnaire is lengthy and emphasise that you do not have to complete it all at the one time. Please take your time to go through it. You will be sent a reminder via email about completing the next questionnaire 4.5 months from completion of your initial questionnaire.

We understand that some of the information asked is personal and that you may feel uncomfortable in answering these questions.  If at any stage you feel distressed while answering these questions you are free to withdraw. Alternatively, you are free to avoid answering questions which are felt to be too personal or intrusive with no consequence.  In the event that you do become distressed, please contact your GP, or you can go to www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/EDcarers.  This website will provide you with an extensive list of websites and books that provide comprehensive information and support for people whose lives are affected by eating disorders.

Storage of data collected will adhere to University regulations and be kept in secure storage for six years. Any identifying information will be destroyed by shredding upon completion of the research project. A report of the study may be submitted for publication, as may a presentation at a conference, but individual participants will not be identified in such a report, as only anonymous data will be reported.

If you require further information or have any questions concerning participation, you can contact Dr Ross King on 03 5227 8481 or rking@deakin.edu.au.  Also, if you would like to be informed of the aggregate research findings please contact Dr Ross King on the above telephone or email, or myself on 03 5227 8426 or klcoo@deakin.edu.au