Purpose of the Study

You are being invited to participate in a research study about use of social media among those who identify as having a mental health diagnosis. The purpose of this research is to explore the experience of people who have used social media to gain information and support regarding a mental health concern and who have self-identified as having one or more mental health disorders.

What Participation Involves

If you agree to participate:

• You will take part in two semi-structured interviews each lasting approximately 90 minutes.

• The interviews will be conducted zoom.

• You will be asked open-ended questions about your life, your mental health struggles, and your relationship with social media.

• With your permission, the interview will be recorded to ensure accurate transcription.

• I will contact you by email or phone a final time to review any sharing of information and to allow for clarification or objection.

Voluntary Participation

Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits.

If you withdraw, you may request that your interview data be deleted and not used in the study.

Risks and Discomforts

This study involves minimal risk. However, some interview questions may involve discussing personal experiences that could feel sensitive or emotionally uncomfortable.

You may skip any question or stop the interview at any time.

If you experience distress, you may take a break or end the session. If needed, I can provide referrals to support resources.

Benefits

Participating in these interviews may benefit you by inviting you to reflect deeply on your experience. Your participation may contribute to a deeper understanding of how people use social media for information and support, which may help inform future research, policy, or professional practice.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Your privacy will be protected to the fullest extent possible.

• Your name and identifying details will be removed from transcripts.

• A pseudonym or participant code will be used in all publications.

• Audio recordings and transcripts will be stored on password-protected, encrypted devices.

• Only the researcher and faculty advisor will have access to the data.

Data will be retained for 5 years after publication and then permanently deleted.

Because interviews may occur online, there is a small risk that data transmitted via the internet could be intercepted. However, secure platforms and encryption will be used to minimize this risk.

Recording and Transcription

With your permission, interviews will be recorded and transcribed. Transcription may be completed using transcription software, after which I will review and correct the transcripts.

You may request that the recording be stopped at any time.

Use of Data and Quotations

De-identified excerpts from your interview may be used in any of the following:

• the researcher’s doctoral dissertation

• academic publications written by the researcher

• a book written by the researcher

• conference presentations given by the researcher

No information that could reasonably identify you will be included without your explicit written permission.

Compensation

You will entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for your time. Compensation is not contingent on completing the entire interview.

Questions

If you have questions about the study, please contact:

Lisa Marchiano

Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

marchianol@student.bgsp.edu