Participant Information Sheet
Study title: Exploring the relationship between social media, social comparison and mental health
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?
Social media has become an integral part of everyday life, however, the increasing amount of time individuals spend engaging with social media may indicate patterns of use.
This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media use, social comparison and mental health.
You will be asked to advise on the amount of time you currently spend on social media and then answer brief questionnaires. This should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Why have I been chosen?
You have been invited to participate as you are aged 18 years or over, with no formal mental health diagnosis, and currently use at least one social media platform.
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 confirm you have received this information sheet and asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to participate, you are still free to withdraw without giving a reason. Participants may withdraw from the study at any point prior to submitting the questionnaire or for 72 hours following submission.
What will happen if I decide to take part?
You will initially answer a small number of screening questions to confirm eligibility.
Once completed, and if you are eligible, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding your demographic information, the average amount of time spent on social media, along with your feelings and thoughts towards social media over the last few weeks.
You have the right to withdraw at any time during the survey, by simply closing the browser.
If you experience any distress during the survey, please seek additional support, this can be found at https://www.mind.org.uk
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 the relationship between social media and mental health, which may ultimately benefit the wider population. There are no risks to you in taking part outside of those you would experience in everyday life. However, by taking part, you may encounter thoughts that you may find upsetting. If this occurs, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any point. Any decision you make will be respected.
Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?
Yes. All the information about your participation in this study will be kept confidential. The survey you complete will be stored on a password-protected computer only accessible to the researcher with no identifying data. 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 as no identifiable data will be recorded.
What will happen at the end of the research study?
The findings will be analysed statistically and presented within an MSc Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing dissertation submitted to the university of Wolverhampton. The findings may also be presented at academic conferences or published in scholarly journals.
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 L.Caulfield@wlv.ac.uk, or the administrative lead and research integrity manager, Jill Morgan, at J.Morgan4@wlv.ac.uk
Who has reviewed the study?
This study has been reviewed and approved as ethically appropriate by Zakiyyah Ahmed and Michelle Jolley.
Contact for further information
Thank you for your interest in participating in this study.
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