Please submit this form along with copies of your consent forms, information sheet, debriefing sheet, and any other relevant documentation you will be using with research participants. These guidelines exist for candidates, staff and any external person or body wishing to undertake research with IICP. The IICP Research Ethics Committee must approve all research proposals prior to the commencement of the study. If ethical approval has been obtained from a recognised Research Ethics Committee, the letter of approval must be submitted to the IICP Research Committee. Please read these guidelines carefully to ensure that you submit the correct documentation. All applicants should read the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
Name of Applicant:
Date of Application:
Please read through the checklist below and tick the relevant boxes provided to ensure that each required item has been included with your application. Please put ‘N/A’ against items that are not relevant to your application.
Application Inclusions:
P
N/A
Letter of approval from medical/hospital/specialist ethics committee
N/A
For studies involving minors (i.e., participants underage of 18 years), form obtaining written consent to participate from parent or legal guardian
N/A
Letter from clinically responsible person agreeing: to host study; provide access to enough participants; provide appropriate psychological/medical support in the event of distress being experienced by participants
N/A
Letter of permission from the organisation/institution hosting the study
N/A
Applicant’s signatures on final page of application form
ü
Participant consent form and study information & debriefing sheet
ü
Provision of any advertising material that will be used for the purpose of recruiting participants (e.g., posters)
N/A
Study information/debriefing sheet containing contact details of debriefing therapist that participants may avail of should they experience any distress. The procedure for dealing with/minimising any possible psychological distress in participants needs to be specified on application form.
ü
IICP Research Ethics Application
PART A:
1. Have you discussed this proposal with a member of IICP Faculty
Yes
2. Is this a pilot study?
No
3. Please complete the following details:
3.1. Name
3.2. Address
3.3. Telephone
3.4. Email
3.5. Qualifications
Undertaking BSc in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy at IICP College
PART B: Description of Research
4. Please complete the following details regarding your proposed research
4.1. Full Title of Study
Working title – Exploration of the Trainee Therapists’ Experience of Working with Childhood Sexual Abuse
Please provide a brief description of the research. The description should be presented in everyday language.
4.2. What are the aims and objectives of the research
Aim: This research dissertation will explore the following research questions:What are the lived experiences of trainee therapists who work with victims of childhood sexual abuse?What types of support would help trainee therapists who work with victims of childhood sexual abuse?How do trainee therapists cope with working with victims of childhood sexual abuse? Objective: To understand the experiences of trainee therapists as they work with victims of childhood sexual abuseTo identify the degree of support needed by trainee therapists as they work with victims of childhood sexual abuseTo understand the coping mechanisms utilised by trainee therapists as they work with victims of childhood sexual abuse More specifically, the research will identify any negative impacts on the training therapists, methods of coping that were implemented, and areas in which additional support might have been necessitated.This research is significant as noted by the literature, trainee therapists are at a greater risk for negative outcomes such as secondary trauma stress, transference, and countertransference. By understanding how trainee therapists experience the exposure to victims of childhood sexual abuse, improved preparation and support can be identified.
4.2. What is the theoretical background to your study (very brief literature review)
Article 1: Ireland and Huxley (2018) conducted a systematic review of the literature consisting of 13 articles to identify themes associated with the cycle of trauma. Implications for trainee therapists were identified. Ireland and Huxley (2018) conducted a systematic review of the literature consisting of 13 articles to identify themes associated with the cycle of trauma. According to the researchers, five themes emerged across the literature reviewed including “Lack of organisational support; Lack of healthy work-life balance; Lack of appropriate training; Failure to use self-care techniques; and staff failure to share when they are experiencing symptoms.” Based on the findings of the review, Ireland, and Huxley (2018) recommended additional areas of research to identify the best practices for alleviating these negative outcomes. Article 2: Levenson and Grady (2019) collected data from a pre-post intervention study to identify the effects of additional training for new clinical therapists to work with individuals who have been identified as having sexually abused a child. Transference and countertransference were explored. Levenson and Grady (2019) collected data from a pre-post intervention study to identify the effects of additional training for new clinical therapists to work with individuals who have been identified as having sexually abused a child. This research was interesting and relevant due to the findings as to how the context of the client’s need for counselling can significantly affect the new or training therapist. According to Levenson and Grady (2019), both transference and countertransference conditions must be better addressed in preparation for working with clients associated with childhood sexual abuse. Article 3: Ludick and Figley (2017) presented a theory of secondary trauma stress through the concept of compassion fatigue. Mechanisms for resilience were discussed. Ludick and Figley (2017) presented a theory of secondary trauma stress. The theorists focused on the concept of compassion fatigue resilience as a mechanism for overcoming the distress associated with the perceived or real stress of another individual. According to Ludick and Figley (2017), the model presented has significantly positive implications for both individuals exposed to stress and professionals who are at risk for compassion fatigue and secondary trauma stress. The literature shows that there is limited research in Ireland for the chosen topic. Having worked with clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, the researcher will be mindful of the potential negative impacts on a trainee therapist. Yet, the researcher found a lack of research as to how to mitigate these risks. The researcher would like to learn from other trainee therapists how they coped and the challenges that they faced when working with this population. The researcher would like to further expand on this area of knowledge to help other trainee therapists. The literature on this topic indicates the potential for negative impacts on the training therapist. While the research is lacking in this specific area of inquiry, there is a plethora of literature relating to secondary trauma, negative connotations, and coping interventions for new and tenured therapists.
4.3. An explanation of the research design
The chosen methodology is qualitative research as it is specifically designed to understand and describe the lived experience of an individual or individuals to represent the population of interest. The method also utilises a small and purposeful sample which is ideal for the population that the proposed study intends to investigate.
4.4. The methods of data collection
Data Collection Methods The proposed study will involve identifying additional trainee therapists who have worked with victims of childhood sexual abuse. After gaining informed consent, the researcher will conduct semi-structured interviews, which will be recorded to allow for later transcription and analysis. Data Analysis Methods The data collected from the interviews will be listened to and then transcribed. The process of immersion will be achieved through multiple reviews of the transcripts. For each participant, the researcher will complete a thematic analysis and then create a master list of themes for the final report.
4.5. The size and composition of the sample
Between 2-3 trainee therapists who have experience of working with childhood sexual abuse.
4.6. Outline how the size of the sample was determined
As the proposed study aims to understand the lived experiences of trainee therapists who have worked with victims of childhood trauma, the selected methodology is designed to incorporate the direct voices of the participants, aligning the methodology with the research question. Quantitative research would not be appropriate for the inquiry into the lived experiences of the trainee therapists.
4.7. How will the data be analysed
The proposed qualitative study will follow the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology is specifically designed to understand and describe the lived experience of an individual or individuals to represent the population of interest. The method also utilises a small and purposeful sample which is ideal for the population that the proposed study intends to investigate.
4.8. Indicate the start and proposed completion dates of the study
January 2022 July 2022
4.9. What ethical dilemmas may emerge during the study
Childhood Sexual Abuse is a sensitive topic so there may be the risk of triggering a participant(s) in this research. Having consulted the IACP ethical guidelines, the researcher also identified the following ethical considerations as well as strategies to mitigate these concerns moving forward with the proposed study. Confidentiality: The IACP ethical guidelines note that the privacy of each participant or client is critical within the profession. Data collection and reporting can create ethical concerns relating to confidentiality. Autonomy: The IACP ethical guidelines recognises the right of each individual to make informed decisions about their involvement and how their information is used. Participation in a research study can create a sense of obligation. Integrity: The IACP ethical guidelines explain that integrity is essential within the profession. In qualitative research, there is the potential for research bias to affect the interpretation of the interviews. Psychological Harm: As this is a sensitive subject matter, it is essential to mitigate the risk of psychological harm to the participants.
PART C: Research Participants: Risk, Harm, Selection and Consent
5. What is the level of risk for research participants?
Extreme risk High risk üSome risk Minimal risk The qualitative research has some risk involved in evoking distress for the participants involved due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
6. What steps will be taken to address any risk associated with the study
The researcher will work closely with the research supervisor to obtain feedback and ensure any risks associated with the study are kept to a minimum. Debriefing (pre-interviews) will be done by informing the participants in advance about the research, and any additional debriefing required from the participants will be addressed. Debriefing (post interviews) will ensure the participants have access to the researcher, their supervisor and personal therapist. The researcher will ensure participants are aware that their participation is voluntary, and they can withdraw at any time. The researcher will be mindful of body language and facial expressions for any signs of distress during the interviews. The semi-structured interview questions will be open-ended and will not lead the participants into an uncomfortable or painful area. All electronic information will be stored on the researcher’s encrypted, password protected device. All paper files will be kept in a locked file in the researcher’s locked office. If technology fails via zoom the researcher will have a plan in place with the participants to ring the participants and record the remainder of the interview with a Dictaphone.
7. Who will participate in this study?
2-3 trainee therapists from Year 4 at IICP college.
8. How will the research participants in this study be selected, approached, and recruited?
The research topic will be shared on IICP Moodle discussion forum, where participants can express their interest in taking part in the chosen topic. Once expression of interest has been made, the researcher will contact the participants individually to discuss the inclusion or exclusion criteria. The researcher will then send the information pack which will provide information to allow them to make an informed decision. The pack will include an informed consent form, a letter of invitation to participate in the research, a participant debriefing sheet, and a participant information sheet.
9. Please state clearly who will approach potential participants?
The Researcher will approach the potential participants.
9.a Where will the research take place?
The research will take place via zoom online interviews.
10. What inclusion criteria operate in this study?
Adults between 18-65 At least 1 years’ experience working with childhood sexual abuse. Trainee therapists in Year 4 at IICP College.
11. What exclusion criteria operate in this study?
Anyone under 18 years No experience of working with childhood sexual abuse Qualified therapists Not a therapist Any of the vulnerable groups listed below except for university students
12. Do participants belong to any of the following vulnerable groups?
a. Children under 18 years of age
Yes No
b. University students
Yes No
c. People who have a language difficulty
Yes No ü
d. People with a diagnosed intellectual or mental impairment
Yes No ü
e. Elderly people
Yes No ü
f. People confined to institutions (residential treatment, prison etc.)
Yes No ü
g. Persons in an unequal relationship with the researcher
Yes No ü
h. Others (please specify)
Yes No ü
12.1. If the study participants belong to any of the vulnerable groups, please state what arrangements will be made to deal with issues of consent/assent?
N/A
13. Please confirm that the following issues have been addressed in your Information Pack for Participants
a. Information Leaflet
Yes
b. Researcher’s Name and Contact Details
Yes
c. Title of the Research Study
Yes
d. What is this research about?
Yes
e. How will the data be used?
Yes
f. What will happen if they decide to take part in the study?
Yes
g. How will you protect their privacy, confidentiality/anonymity?
Yes
h. Benefits for Participations
Yes
i. Risks for Participations
Yes
j. Can they change their mind at any stage and withdraw?
Yes
k. How will they find out what happens with the project?
Yes
l. Is written consent obtained?
Yes
m. Is there a separate debriefing sheet?
Yes
14. Please specify whether the study requires participants to reveal information of a sensitive nature or whether the procedures may cause any psychological distress to participants. If so, justify why it is necessary and what support will be in place to minimise or debrief following any distressed caused by such disclosures or procedures?
As the topic of research is a sensitive one, it has the potential of causing discomfort or distress for the participants; the researcher will ensure she will be available during and after for debriefing. Debriefing provides information, and it also supports the participant to leave their engagement in the research process in a similar frame of mind as when they entered the process. Care and attention will be given to the participants to ensure they feel comfortable and safe during the interviews. Appropriate breaks will be given to the participants to protect their well-being. The participants will also have their supervisor and personal therapist available to them. The researcher will also provide details of various public organisations in their areas, such as Samaritans, Mental Health Support Line and Rape Crisis Centre.
PART D: Anonymity, Confidentiality and Data Protection
15. What arrangements are in place to ensure that the identity of each participant remains confidential and anonymous?
To protect the confidentiality of the participants, the names will be omitted from the report, and the transcripts will be identified by participant number rather than their name. Additionally, as it is not relevant to the aim of the study, no personally identifying information will be collected for the study. The participants will be informed of the purpose of the research study as well as notified that their participation is voluntary. They may choose to stop the interview at any time if they feel uncomfortable about their participation. To ensure that the themes are appropriately assigned, each participant will be asked to review the findings and notate any discrepancies identified. The participants will have access to the researcher during and following their participation. They will also have access to their supervisor and personal therapist. All recordings and transcripts will be secured on an encrypted, password protected device. GDPR guidelines will be adhered to. With the participants’ consent all information will be stored on the researcher’s encrypted, password protected computer and locked cabinet in the researcher’s office that will also be locked.
16. Do you intend to use any of the following recording devises as a means of collecting information for this study?
a. Audio/Sound Recorder (tapes/CD/Digital)
ü Yes No
b. Computer
ü Yes No
c. Other (please specify)
Yes ü No
16.1. if yes is indicated for any recording device, please indicate the specific permission that will be obtained as part of the informed consent documents?
Signed, written consent for use of audio recorder and computer will be obtained from the participants.
17. Control of Data:
17.1. Please tick to confirm that the agency hosting the research, (e.g., VCS) will have ownership of the data generated by the research. Yes ü
18. Where will the data be stored for the duration of the study and up until the data is destroyed? (e.g. locked cabinet in therapist’s office).
All data will be stored on the researcher’s encrypted, password protected computer, with the participants’ consent. A locked cabinet in the researcher’s office will also be used. The door to the office will also be locked.
18.1. Please tick to confirm that the data will be stored in a manner that corresponds to the information given to the research participants on their information sheet. Yes ü
19. In what format will the data be stored? Electronically and paper files
19.1. if this is not applicable, please state why: N/A
19.2. Please confirm that you have informed research participants that the data will be stored for eighteen months after completion of the submission. Yes ü
19.3. Please confirm that you will be responsible for the secure storage of the data until it has been destroyed. Yes ü
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