Please note: This study is independent of and not related to NAMI or NAMI Northern Virginia. In general, we support research that might lead to improvements in the lives of individuals living with mental illness, families and communities. You should carefully evaluate any specific opportunities in light of your own situation.
Researcher Looking for Adults, 18-30, who have a sibling living with schizophrenia, to participate in research study
Please contact: Jillian Graves, LCSW at 617-335-9178 or at jgraves@brynmawr.edu
I am a doctoral social work student who is conducting a study about the experiences of emerging adult siblings of people with schizophrenia. I am looking for adults from the age of 18-30 of people with schizophrenia to conduct one interview that will last approximately an hour and a half. I can either interview in person at a mutually agreed upon site or conduct telephone or Skype interviews which will be then recorded and transcribed.
The focus of the study is to better understand the experiences of emerging adult siblings’ of people with schizophrenia, particularly considering how sibling relationships influence identity formation. Questions about family, relationships, vocational and educational experiences and personal values will be included.
To be included in the study, the interviewees need to be 18 to 30 and have a sibling with whom they lived for at least five years and whom they share at least one biological parent. Their sibling needs to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder or another form of Schizophreniform Disorder. Participants with Psychotic Disorders are excluded from the sample because of the parameters of the studies. However, people with other psychiatric diagnoses are included.
This study is voluntary. Participants can leave the study at any time, including after they have already completed an interview. Names, geographic location and other compelling identifying information will be removed from the study. Participants will be able to discuss and read the findings with the researcher when the study is completed. Each participant will receive nominal compensation for their time ($25 gift certificate).
As a researcher, I will strive to minimize risk and provide support to participants if needed. I have been a clinical social worker for over a decade and have a sibling with schizophrenia myself so I believe I have awareness about the potential risks and discomforts of the interview process. I will be sensitive to the needs of the participants, especially around minimizing emotional harm and am available to discuss any potential questions or concerns.
Interviewees will be gathered from either mental health practitioners, through NAMI or through Mental Health America, partly because of the importance of having access to formal and informal support. Each participant in the study will have the option of being contacted a week after they complete their study to ensure that they receive the proper support unless they explicitly opt out of this follow-up contact. If needed, I will make every effort to help the interviewees find affordable mental health support and treatment in their area. Even after the research study is completed, interviewees can contact this researcher for any questions and concerns.
Please contact Jillian Graves, LCSW at 617-335-9178 or at jgraves@brynmawr.edu.
Please contact: Jillian Graves, LCSW at 617-335-9178 or at jgraves@brynmawr.edu
I am a doctoral social work student who is conducting a study about the experiences of emerging adult siblings of people with schizophrenia. I am looking for adults from the age of 18-30 of people with schizophrenia to conduct one interview that will last approximately an hour and a half. I can either interview in person at a mutually agreed upon site or conduct telephone or Skype interviews which will be then recorded and transcribed.
The focus of the study is to better understand the experiences of emerging adult siblings’ of people with schizophrenia, particularly considering how sibling relationships influence identity formation. Questions about family, relationships, vocational and educational experiences and personal values will be included.
To be included in the study, the interviewees need to be 18 to 30 and have a sibling with whom they lived for at least five years and whom they share at least one biological parent. Their sibling needs to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder or another form of Schizophreniform Disorder. Participants with Psychotic Disorders are excluded from the sample because of the parameters of the studies. However, people with other psychiatric diagnoses are included.
This study is voluntary. Participants can leave the study at any time, including after they have already completed an interview. Names, geographic location and other compelling identifying information will be removed from the study. Participants will be able to discuss and read the findings with the researcher when the study is completed. Each participant will receive nominal compensation for their time ($25 gift certificate).
As a researcher, I will strive to minimize risk and provide support to participants if needed. I have been a clinical social worker for over a decade and have a sibling with schizophrenia myself so I believe I have awareness about the potential risks and discomforts of the interview process. I will be sensitive to the needs of the participants, especially around minimizing emotional harm and am available to discuss any potential questions or concerns.
Interviewees will be gathered from either mental health practitioners, through NAMI or through Mental Health America, partly because of the importance of having access to formal and informal support. Each participant in the study will have the option of being contacted a week after they complete their study to ensure that they receive the proper support unless they explicitly opt out of this follow-up contact. If needed, I will make every effort to help the interviewees find affordable mental health support and treatment in their area. Even after the research study is completed, interviewees can contact this researcher for any questions and concerns.
Please contact Jillian Graves, LCSW at 617-335-9178 or at jgraves@brynmawr.edu.