A StFX psychology professor wants to know how you’re doing in the face of COVID-19.
Dr. Karen Blair of StFX, in partnership with Dr. Debby Herbenick from Indiana University, has launched the COVID-19 Interpersonal Coping Daily Diary Study.
“We are interested in learning more about how people are coping, mentally, physically, relationally, during this unique time period as we collectively face the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Blair says.
The study involves an initial intake survey that takes 20-30 minutes to complete. Dr. Blair says participants can opt to just complete this part of the survey, or at the end of the survey they have the option to continue to daily diary study. Researchers will send participants an email or text each night with a link to complete an ‘end of day’ survey that will take about five to 10 minutes.
“We are hoping participants will continue answering for at least two weeks, but they can participate for up to four weeks,” Dr. Blair says.
“At the end of the study, participants will get to keep a copy of their diary, as a record of their thoughts, experiences, and feelings during this time.”
The study is open to anyone over the age of 18 who can access an online survey. The surveys are mobile-friendly and will work on a phone, tablet or computer.
“We’d like to capture as many diverse experiences as possible - even though we are all facing the same pandemic, we will each have our own unique challenges to face,” Dr. Blair says.
“We are particularly interested in hearing from students so that we can understand more about how this upheaval in their lives has impacted them, whether they’ve had to remain in town alone or travel home unexpectedly. For fourth year students, in particular, this abrupt end to their time at university may be very challenging and come with a wide array of emotions and we’d like to know more about how this event has impacted their well-being.”
Dr. Blair says response to the study has been very strong so far just through word of mouth. “I think people are looking for things to do and also outlets where they can record their thoughts.”
This research is, in part, made possible by the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
