Researchers at the University of Oxford are conducting a research study titled ‘Investigating Trauma Symptoms In Siblings Of Individuals With Anorexia’.
Background and aims:
Existing research shows that anorexia nervosa can have an impact on the wider family, as well as the person experiencing anorexia. However, much of this research has focused on parents and carers, and considerably less is known about the experiences and mental health of siblings. The researchers are interested in understanding more about the potential mental health impact of having a sibling with anorexia nervosa (commonly known as anorexia). In particular, they hope to explore whether siblings may experience trauma-related symptoms and what factors may contribute to these experiences. Ultimately, the researchers hope this research can help inform how siblings are supported in the future.
Existing research shows that anorexia nervosa can have an impact on the wider family, as well as the person experiencing anorexia. However, much of this research has focused on parents and carers, and considerably less is known about the experiences and mental health of siblings. The researchers are interested in understanding more about the potential mental health impact of having a sibling with anorexia nervosa (commonly known as anorexia). In particular, they hope to explore whether siblings may experience trauma-related symptoms and what factors may contribute to these experiences. Ultimately, the researchers hope this research can help inform how siblings are supported in the future.
Who can participate:
Young people aged 16–25 who:
Young people aged 16–25 who:
- have a sibling who currently has anorexia nervosa (diagnosed at least one month ago), or who previously had anorexia nervosa and has been recovered for no more than 18 months;
- had contact with their sibling at least weekly for a period of at least six months while their sibling was experiencing anorexia (including in-person or remote contact);
- speak and read English fluently; and
- live in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
Individuals are not eligible to take part if they have a current or previous diagnosis of anorexia nervosa themselves, have experienced a traumatic event unrelated to their sibling’s anorexia within the past month, or if the sibling who experienced anorexia has died.
What participation involves:
Participants are invited to complete an anonymous online survey hosted on Qualtrics [https://oxfordxpsy.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d4E6n35bbGP1Qb4]. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and interested individuals can access further information about the study and the survey through the link provided.
Participants are invited to complete an anonymous online survey hosted on Qualtrics [https://oxfordxpsy.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d4E6n35bbGP1Qb4]. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and interested individuals can access further information about the study and the survey through the link provided.
Confidentiality:
The survey is anonymous and the researchers will not collect information that could directly identify participants. IP addresses will not be stored. Survey responses will be stored securely on University of Oxford servers and will only be accessible to the research team and, where required for monitoring or audit, authorised members of the University. Findings will be reported as part of a doctoral thesis and may also be published in a scientific journal. Participants can withdraw at any point before submitting the survey; however, because responses are anonymous, it will not be possible to withdraw them after submission.
The survey is anonymous and the researchers will not collect information that could directly identify participants. IP addresses will not be stored. Survey responses will be stored securely on University of Oxford servers and will only be accessible to the research team and, where required for monitoring or audit, authorised members of the University. Findings will be reported as part of a doctoral thesis and may also be published in a scientific journal. Participants can withdraw at any point before submitting the survey; however, because responses are anonymous, it will not be possible to withdraw them after submission.
Ethics approval:
The study has received ethical approval through the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences research ethics process (CUREC).
The study has received ethical approval through the University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences research ethics process (CUREC).
Researcher:
Phoebe Haynes, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, phoebe.haynes@psy.ox.ac.uk
Phoebe Haynes, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, phoebe.haynes@psy.ox.ac.uk
Supervisor:
Dr Myra Cooper, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, myra.cooper@psy.ox.ac.uk
Dr Myra Cooper, Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, University of Oxford, myra.cooper@psy.ox.ac.uk
