You are invited to take part in research that is being conducted by fourth year psychology students Tanya Balakumar and Danae Schwartz of Federation University, under the supervision of Dr Samia Toukhsati and Mr Justin Timora.





This study explores the role of individual differences, such as personality, in understanding people’s perceived health risks and health-related behaviours.



If you choose to volunteer to participate in the research, you will be asked to complete some anonymous questionnaires about your personality, health behaviours, and other individual characteristics that will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. You must be above 18 years of age and fluent in English.



Your information is entirely anonymous. All data collected will be confidential and no identifying information will be used in any publication arising from the research. Data will be secured in password protected digital storage by the principal researcher and can only be accessed by named researchers. Data will be kept for a minimum of five years. Please be aware that the non-identifiable data collected in this study may be used in future research.



It is important to know that participation of this study is voluntary. Refusal to participate in this study requires no explanation to the researchers and/or to Federation University. Please note that students at Federation University may have the opportunity to attain course credit upon completion of this questionnaire. If you are a current student of Dr Samia Toukhsati or Mr Justin Timora, your involvement in the project will not affect any ongoing assessment or grades. You will still receive full participation credits if you choose to refuse/withdraw your participation at any point during the study. All participants are entitled to withdraw their consent to participate and discontinue participation at any time without consequence. Please be aware, however, that as your data is anonymous, we are unable to withdraw data that you have already given prior to withdrawing consent.



If participating in this research raises any issues or concerns, please seek health advice from your General Practitioner. Alternatively, the ‘Heart Foundation Helpline’ (13 11 12) is available to assist you during business hours to provide free professional advice about your heart health. You can also contact Lifeline (13 11 14) for further support regarding any mental distress.



If you have any questions, or you would like further information regarding the project titled ‘The role of individual differences in perceived risk of illness and health behaviours’ please contact the Principal Researcher, Dr Samia Toukhsati of the School of Psychology:

EMAIL: s.toukhsati@federation.edu.au

PH: 03 5122 6009



This research has received Ethical Clearance by the Federation University Human Research Ethics Committee.



Should you (i.e. the participant) have any concerns about the ethical conduct of this research project, please contact the Federation University Ethics Officers, Research Services, Federation University Australia,

P O Box 663 Mt Helen Vic 3353 or Northways Rd, Churchill Vic 3842.

Telephone: (03) 5327 9765, (03) 5122 6446

Email: research.ethics@federation.edu.au



CRICOS Provider Number 00103D

Federation University students may also contact the free counselling service provided by the university.

Ballarat and Wimmera

(03) 5327 9470

Gippsland and Berwick

(03) 5122 9470

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