Deakin University’s
Science of Adult Relationships (SoAR) Laboratory
** Please note, we have now finished recruitment for this study.**
Relationship Resilience and Vulnerability during COVID-19
We are seeking individuals currently in a romantic relationship to take part in a confidential online study.
Complete one survey per fortnight…
Receive tips for enriching your relationship…
PLUS
Be in the running to win 1 of 5 $500 gift vouchers!
Background
What is the study about?
This project is a five-month longitudinal study looking at the ways in which circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are shaping people’s relationships with their romantic partners.
Why are we studying COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes for the day-to-day lives of people around the world. Our research study aims to understand how these changes are impacting couples. Results may help to inform the way government and other bodies make decisions and plan effective clinical and public health interventions to support relationships in the future.
Detailed Study Information
This study is now live!
How to Participate
Just sign up on this website in June 2020.
All you need is an email address and access to the internet to complete the online survey.
We do require you to be at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and currently in a romantic relationship.
The Surveys
As a part of this study there are two types of surveys we will ask you to complete. One survey is a longer assessment which captures a whole range of relationship characteristics. We expect this survey will take 25-30 minutes to complete and you will be asked to complete this survey at the start, middle and end of the study.
The other survey is a short survey that you will complete once per fortnight across the next 5 months. The short survey will be a regular check in to see how things are going throughout the pandemic. We expect this survey will take about 10 minutes to complete.
Participant Information Sheet
This document will tell you absolutely everything you need to know about this study. It is important that you read it carefully before deciding to take part in this study. You can read the Participant Information Sheet here. Please also download and keep a copy for your personal record.
Incentives
At the completion of the study we will provide you with evidence-based tips to help enrich your relationship with your partner. These tips have been developed by leading experts in the field of relationship science.
Additionally, if you complete at least 75% of the surveys you will automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 5 $500 gift vouchers.
FAQs
How will I receive the tips and gift voucher?
All participants will receive the relationship enrichment pack (tips) via email at the completion of the study.
If you are one of the five lucky winners of a $500 AUD gift voucher it will be sent to your nominated email address. The winners will be drawn at the completion of the study.
What do I need to participate?
All you need is access to the internet, an email address and mobile phone number, and a romantic partner!
Can I participate with my partner?
If both you and your partner decide to participate in the study, you can choose whether you link your responses or not.
Linking your responses provides us with even richer information about how circumstances are affecting your relationship and gives us a better understanding of dynamics within couples. Importantly, partners will NOT be able to see or access each others’ responses, and partners are still required to complete the surveys independently. If you are happy to have your responses linked with your partner’s, use the same ID.
If you would rather not link your responses with your partner’s, you can both still participate by using your own unique ID.
How long do the surveys really take to complete?
We have tested each survey thoroughly and are confident that the fortnightly survey will only take you around 10 minutes to complete.
Do I need to complete all of the surveys?
Yes and no… If you begin the study and cannot participate any longer you are free to withdraw at any time. Please note that the tips can only be sent to participants who complete a minimum of 75% of the surveys. Additionally, only participants who complete 75% of the surveys will be entered into the draw to win one of five $500 gift vouchers.
How long do I have to complete the survey?
Because each survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete, each survey should be completed on the day it is released. However, if you begin a survey and are interrupted you can revisit it and continue where you left off.
What happens if I miss a survey?
Don’t stress. These things happen. While we are encouraging that all participants complete the survey on the same day, we understand that life can get in the way. Each survey will expire the day before we launch the next survey, which means you have a few days to go back and complete a missed survey. If you miss a survey entirely, then just move on to the next survey.
What do I do if I missed the launch date but I would like to participate?
If you are interested in participating but you have missed the launch date, please do get in touch by contacting the research team at soarlab@deakin.edu.au
How is my data stored?
At the beginning of each survey you will be required to enter in a unique ID and password, which we will help you to create at the start of the first survey. All information and data gathered from participants will be kept secure through password protection and stored on a secure server within the School of Psychology at Deakin University. No identifying information will be stored.
Who has access to my data?
Only you and the research team. Please note, only group data will be published. The data we publish will not be identifiable and, therefore, cannot be linked back to you in any way.
What happens if I forget my ID and password for the survey?
At the beginning of each survey you will be required to enter in a unique ID and password, which we will help you create at the beginning of the first survey. We highly recommend you write this down and store it somewhere safe. However, if you do forget or misplace your study ID or password, just send us an email!
