Hello,
Peter Waite from the Healing Well community has graciously allowed me to post this opportunity to reach out to those who care for a loved one dealing with a health challenge.
As someone who has benefited from support from online communities in my own life, I know that many different people with different, but shared challenges can get information, support, and resources here. This post is to let you know about
an opportunity to participate in my research about
the experience of those who are currently caring for a loved one. I hope that this research – approved by the University of Maryland – can provide support, resources, and ultimately the kind of information that is so valuable in times of challenge and triumph.
Below is the information about
the study. This is a writing study that is completely online and can include persons caring for someone with any health issue. Please feel free to take part or pass this on to a loved one caring for you or any others you know who may benefit from taking part.
Online Study for Caregivers
Are you an unpaid caregiver for a loved one? Do you provide care on a daily basis for at least 3 hours per day? Are you at least 18 years of age? If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, you may be eligible to participate in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland.
The study explores participants’ caregiving experiences through 2 surveys and 3 writing exercises. Some people find writing as a way to record what happens to them or as a way to talk about
difficult experiences. There has been great interest in recent years with writing to understand important experiences in your life.
Often times care for a patient takes precedence, and the wellbeing of the caregiver is largely ignored. This is your chance to help other caregivers and help researchers to develop ways to improve the lives of caregivers.
The 2 surveys and 3 writing exercises will be spaced out so that you complete one per week for five weeks. It will take approximately 15-25 minutes of your time each week. You can complete the entire study online. This research is being conducted by Amy Fuhrmann, M.S. and Mary Ann Hoffman, Ph.D., professor and co-director of the counseling psychology program at the University of Maryland, College Park. If you would like to participate in this research, please contact Amy Fuhrmann at
[email protected] or follow the link below. To participate, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the screening questionnaire.
https://umdsurvey.umd.edu/SE/?Sid=SV_cx9yds8u0Vs3vtH
Thank you!
Amy Fuhrmann, M.S.
Doctoral Candidate
Counseling Psychology
University of Maryland, College Park
[email protected]Mary Ann Hoffman, Ph.D
Professor and Co-Director
Counseling Psychology
University of Maryland, College Park