Participant Information Statement
This research is being carried out in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Psychological Science - Honours under the supervision of Dr Tiffani Howell.
The following researchers will be conducting the study: Dr Tiffani Howell (Chief Investigator) and Salonika Hardie (Student), School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University. This research is supported by in-kind support from La Trobe University.
1. What is the study about?
You are invited to participate in a study of the wellbeing of cat and dog owners. We hope to learn how cat/dog ownership is related to aspects of social support and wellbeing.
2. Do I have to participate?
Being part of this study is voluntary. We ask that you read the information below carefully and decide at the end whether you want to participate. If you decide not to participate this won’t affect your relationship with La Trobe University.
3. Who is being asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because you:
· have a pet cat or dog
· are at least 18 years of age
· can read and write in English, the language of the survey
4. What will I be asked to do?
If you want to take part in this study, we will ask you to complete a survey about your perceived social support, your relationship with your cat/dog, and your wellbeing. It will take approximately 15 minutes of your time to be part of this study. To go into a draw to win one of five AUD $25 vouchers, just include your email address at the end of the survey (this will not be linked to your responses and will be via a separate link)
5. What are the benefits?
One benefit could be the enjoyment of contributing to psychological knowledge about pet-owner relationships and their association with social support and wellbeing. Knowledge of how cats and dogs influence social support and wellbeing via their unique relationships with their owners can inform future research into their ability to enhance wellbeing in people who need extra support.
6. What are the risks?
With any study there are (1) risks we know about, (2) risks we don’t know about, and (3) risks we don’t expect. If you experience something that you aren’t sure about, please contact us immediately so we can discuss the best way to manage your concerns.
Dr Tiffani Howell
Research Fellow
+61 3 9479 2248
t.howell@latrobe.edu.au
Although we do not foresee any risk to participants, it is possible you might not feel comfortable answering some questions about your personal circumstances or wellbeing. If you don’t feel comfortable answering certain questions, you are not obliged to, and may skip these questions in the survey. If you experience distress during or after your participation in the survey, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (if in Australia), or if overseas please contact your local crisis support centre.
7. What will happen to information about me?
By clicking on the ‘Agree' button, this tells us you want to take part in the study. We will not collect any personal information that identifies you. The anonymous data you provide might be used in future, related studies.
8. Will I hear about the results of the study?
We will let you know about the results of the study by emailing you a summary at your request. To request a summary of results, just enter your email address after completing the survey. Your email address will be stored separately to the survey responses, so researchers are not able to connect your email to your responses.
9. What if I change my mind?
If you no longer want to complete the questionnaire, simply close the web browser. If you change your mind after completing the survey, we cannot withdraw your responses because we cannot link who you are with your questionnaire responses. Any data you have already provided before closing your web browser will be retained for analysis. Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University.
10. Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact details below:
Tiffani Howell
Research Fellow
+61 3 9479 2248
t.howell@latrobe.edu.au
11. What if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact:
Senior Research Ethics Officer
+61 3 9479 1443
Ethics Reference Number HEC21113
To download a copy of the Participant Information and Consent Form for future reference click here 
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