The individuals who participate in your PRJ groups, whether they are your clients, residents, students, patients, or others, are not considered participants in this study. They will learn about this study in the first group session by way of the following information.
If you are a client of a counselor who is participating in the Learn PRJ study, we have some important information for you.
Please read this section and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to try PRJ.
This study is being conducted by Amy R. Krentzman, MSW, PhD, at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work.
About this Study
- In this study, your counselor is learning how to use PRJ with their clients and, if it is okay with you, your counselor will teach you how to use PRJ
- If you agree to try PRJ, your counselor will show you how to use it and it might be used in your individual or group sessions
- You are not considered a participant in this research study
- We will not be collecting any information about you that could identify who you are, such as your name or your contact information
- We will not ask to see what you write in your journal
- We will not record your voice, image, or handwriting in any way
- Dr. Amy Krentzman might visit your PRJ group to listen in. If so, then she will introduce herself to you.
- We will ask your counselor how many clients they introduced to PRJ and how they thought it went
Voluntary Nature of the Study
- Learning, trying, and using PRJ is voluntary, that means it is your choice
- You have the choice whether to use PRJ or not
- You can decide not to use PRJ and no one will be upset by this decision in any way—the University of Minnesota will not be upset and your care provider will not be upset. Your decision will not affect your status in any way.
- If you decide to try PRJ, you can stop using PRJ at any time
Will I get anything for my participation?
- You will get a free copy of a PRJ journal that you can keep
- You will not be paid for learning or trying PRJ
Will it cost me anything to try PRJ?
- No, it will not cost you anything to try PRJ
Will PRJ help me?
- There is a chance that PRJ could be beneficial to you. But PRJ is only now starting to be tested. Therefore, you might not benefit from PRJ.
Could PRJ be upsetting?
- In some ways, journaling might be uncomfortable at times. It might feel uncomfortable to journal about the past day if something upsetting happened. We do not expect that uncomfortable feelings of this nature will be lasting and it might help you feel better to write these things down. Previous users of PRJ have told us that PRJ gave them perspective on things that were upsetting but we encourage you to let your counselor know if you are upset.
- There is always a chance that someone else might read your journal. Your counselor will provide tips to protect your privacy.
Contacts and Questions
- The researcher conducting this study is Amy R. Krentzman, MSW, PhD at the University of Minnesota School of Social Work. You may ask Dr. Krentzman any questions you have about this study by emailing her at [email protected] or by calling 612-625-2312. Please note: this phone number does not take text messages.
- You can ask any questions before using PRJ. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact Dr. Krentzman.
This research has been reviewed and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) within the Human Research Protections Program (HRPP). To share feedback privately with the HRPP about your research experience, call the Research Participants’ Advocate Line at 612-625-1650 (Toll Free: 1-888-224-8636) or go to z.umn.edu/participants. You are encouraged to contact the HRPP if:
- Your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the research team.
- You cannot reach the research team.
- You want to talk to someone besides the research team.
- You have questions about your rights as a research participant.
- You want to get information or provide input about this research.
- You will be given a copy of this information to keep for your records.