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Beyond Friendships: A regression study examining whether sibling relationship quality predicts additional variance in the psychological wellbeing of university students.

Questions marked with a * are required

Participant Information Sheet

20/09/2026
Version 1

Study title: Beyond Friendships: A regression study examining whether sibling relationship quality predicts additional variance in the psychological wellbeing of university students.

You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before deciding, it is essential to understand why the research is being conducted and what it entails. Please take time to read the following information carefully. Please ask the lead researcher if anything is unclear or if you require further information. The researcher’s details are included on this form, should you wish to ask any questions before taking part.
Thank you for reading this.

What is the purpose of the study?
This master’s dissertation explores whether the quality of sibling relationships predicts university students’ mental wellbeing while factoring in the support received from friends. With the increase in mental health problems amongst students, research has shown that social support is beneficial for students, especially friendships, but sibling relationship quality has not been studied as much as other social connections. The current study aims to address this research gap, increasing knowledge around social support and factors that impact university students’ wellbeing. The findings may help to inform support and interventions within universities.

The survey should take around 10-15 minutes to complete.

Why have I been chosen?
You are invited to participate in the study as a university student to give insight into the experience of friendships, sibling relationship quality and mental wellbeing during higher education.

Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether to take part. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to participate, you are still free to withdraw without giving a reason. Due to the data being anonymous, it may not be possible to identify data and subsequently remove it once the survey has commenced and data responses have been collected.

What will happen if I decide to take part?
You will be asked to complete some demographics questions, such as age and gender, followed by questions regarding friendships during university. Then you will be asked questions about the quality of a sibling relationship. You are asked to think about one sibling relationship when completing the questions, and this would be a sibling that has had significant influence or impact on you. Next you will be asked questions about your mental wellbeing as a university student. You will then be presented with a debrief to read at the end of the survey. After completing the survey, the data will be analysed and the results summarised in a research report.

What are the potential benefits and risks of taking part?
Although there are no direct benefits to you if you participate, taking part will provide a greater understanding of predictive factors to university students’ mental wellbeing which may ultimately benefit student support interventions in higher education and future research. There are no risks to you in taking part outside of those you would experience in everyday life. However, by taking part, you may remember things that you may find upsetting. If this occurs, you are free to stop participating in the survey at any time. Any decision you make will be respected. In line with the ethical considerations for the study, individuals with a self-diagnosed or formal mental health diagnosis would be excluded.

Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?
Yes. All the information about your participation in this study will be kept confidential. Data from the survey you complete will be stored on a password-protected computer only accessible to the researcher. Only the researcher and their supervisor working on the project will have access to the information, which may then be subject to external examination. You will not be identifiable in any report as the data will be grouped together, and any identifying information will be removed. Although all precautions are taken to ensure data is kept safe, due to the nature of the study being online, there is the minimal risk of data interception.

What will happen at the end of the research study?
The data that is collected will be analysed using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis on JASP software. The results from the study will be used in a dissertation thesis for the partial fulfilment of MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

What if I have a problem or concern?
If you have any concerns, please contact the Dean of Research Culture and Postgraduate Research, Prof. Laura Caulfield, at [email protected], or the administrative lead and research integrity manager, Jill Morgan, at [email protected].

Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been reviewed and approved as ethically appropriate by Marek Palace and the research ethics committee.

Contact for further information
If you have any questions, you can contact the researcher by emailing [email protected]. You can also contact the lead researcher’s supervisor Marek Palace by emailing [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in participating in this study

Disclaimer

The survey topics relate to mental wellbeing, friendships and sibling relationships. Though the survey has been designed so that no psychological harm or stress would be caused, please feel free to withdraw your participation at anytime if you feel uncomfortable. Please note that the survey may not be suitable if you are currently experiencing any psychological distress. Thank you.

Are you currently experiencing any psychological distress, or have a mental health diagnosis (formal or self-diagnosed)?

Yes

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