Mindfulness for Pastoral Burn-out Prevention: Intervention and Study

2021-2022  INFORMED CONSENT FORM
Voluntary Status:
You are being invited to participate in a research study conducted by PI, Regina Chow Trammel, PhD, LCSW, Chris Adams, PhD and Research Assistant. You are being asked to volunteer since you meet the requirements for enrollment into this study. Your participation is voluntary which means you can choose whether or not you want to participate. You may withdraw any time without penalty. If you decline to continue, any data gathered to that point may be used in data analysis. If you choose not to participate, there will be no loss of benefits to which you are entitled. Before you can make your decision, you will need to know what the study is about, the possible risks and benefits of being in this study, and what you will have to do in this study.

The purpose of this research study is to explore the impact of Christian Mindfulness training on mindfulness skills and burnout.  

Procedure: The Mindfulness training is a six week curriculum delivered online, twice a week as an audio podcast/MP3.   All participants in the study will complete two pre and post-tests to measure mindfulness skills and to measure burn-out. You will be assigned randomly into a wait-list control group, or will begin the curriculum right away.

You are being asked to participate in the research by completing the pretest and posttest measures and, if in the experimental group, to complete the six week training experience.   If you choose not to participate in the research or withdraw at any point you may still participate fully in the training without any penalty.  Withdrawal will not in any way impact your standing at your university.

By completing the pretest and posttest, you are consenting to participate in the research project described here. You will be eligible to receive a $30 gift card to Target or Amazon as a thank you for your voluntary participation.


Possible Risks & Benefits: It is expected that participation in this study will provide you with no more than minimal risk or discomfort which means that you should not experience it as any more troubling than your normal daily life. However, there is always the chance that there are some unexpected risks. The foreseeable risks in this study include an accidental disclosure of your private information, or discomfort by answering questions that are personal. If you feel uncomfortable or distressed, please tell the researcher and he/she will ask you if you want to continue.
 

Confidentiality & Consent: The investigator and staff involved with the study will keep your personal information collected for the study strictly confidential. Any information that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified with you will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law. Your identity will be kept strictly confidential by assigning number codes to de-identify the answers that you provide. This document explains your rights as a research subject. If you have questions regarding your participation in this research study or have any questions about your rights as a research subject, please contact the Principal Investigator using the information at the bottom of this form. Concerning your rights or treatment as a research subject, you may contact the Research Integrity Officer at Azusa Pacific University (APU), Don Isaak, at Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 3796
Email: disaak@apu.edu

Consent: I understand that my participation in this study is entirely voluntary and that I may refuse to participate or withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. I understand the procedures described above, and I understand fully the rights of a potential subject in a research study involving people as subjects. My questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I agree to participate in this study.


The results of this study will be available to you, should you wish to know them and may be published in a study in the future. Please direct all inquiries to:  

Regina Trammel: rtrammel@apu.edu  or Chris Adams: cadams@apu.edu