Student Researcher: Ana Maria Constandache
ana.constandache@students.plymouth.ac.uk
Supervisor: Dr Alyson Norman
alyson.norman@plymouth.ac.uk
What is the aim of this study?
The transition to university represents a significant psychological stressor, which may exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions and increase their visibility.
The present study aims to explore how university students with psoriasis and eczema experience their appearance and sense of self during this transition, and to identify implications for how universities and healthcare systems can more effectively support students with chronic visible differences.
Participation Requirements:
- Current university students.
- Transitioned to university within the last 3-4 years.
- Official diagnosis of psoriasis/eczema.
What will happen in this study?
In this study you will be invited to complete a short qualitative questionnaire exploring your experiences of living with a visible skin condition before and after transitioning to university, including appearance, social experiences, coping, and perceived support. You will also be asked to complete two standardised self-report measures assessing coping strategies and perceived stigma. Qualitative responses will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning, and quantitative data will be used descriptively to provide contextual insight into coping and stigma.
How long will this take?
Participation is expected to take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of detail you choose to provide in your responses. While it is advised to answer in as much detail as possible, you may choose to answer as briefly or fully as you wish.
Considerations:
Please be aware, that reflecting on some of these themes may lead to negative feelings and emotions.
If at any point during this study you feel overwhelmed and need support, please access the resources below:
- The National Psoriasis Foundation
https://www.psoriasis.org
https://eos.org.uk
Confidentiality:
All data collected in this study will be remain confidential. You will not be asked to provide any identifying information, and all responses will be anonymised at the point of data collection. Data will be stored securely in accordance with data protection regulations and will only be accessible to the researchers.
Right to Withdraw:
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You will have the right to withdraw from the study at any point without repercussions and without needing a reason. In the case that wish to withdraw your data post submission you will be required to provide the unique ID which will be presented at the beginning of the questionnaire and this option is available for up to 30 days post data submission.
Contact for further information:
If you have questions about participation in the study or require further information, please contact the researchers before completing the consent form. If you would like further information at any point after you have completed the study, please contact the researchers via email using the contact details provided:
ana.constandache@students.plymouth.ac.uk
alyson.norman@plymouth.ac.uk
When you are ready, please read the below statements carefully and if you agree to them, please give your consent by pressing ‘’Yes’’ and continuing to the next page.
- I confirm that I have read the above brief fully.
- I confirm that I meet the necessary requirements.
- I confirm that I have been given the opportunity to ask questions.
- I confirm that I understand participating is completely voluntary and that I have the right to withdraw at any time for any reason.
- I confirm that I understand I have 30 days after participation to withdraw my data for any reason.
- I confirm that I am aware this study may cause me to experience negative emotions and I am happy to continue.
- I confirm that my anonymised answers can be used for reports, presentations and publications.
- I confirm that my anonymised answers may be shared with other researchers and for other research purposes in the future.
- I confirm that I agree to voluntarily take part in this study.
