- This is a randomized control trial. How will I know which group I’m in?
Once you have consented to participate in the project and completed the first interview, you will receive your random group assignment.
- This is a randomized control trial. What does it mean if I’m in the control group?
Great question! Individuals in the control group will receive information designed to support their engagement in the community. However, this is more self-directed rather than receiving on-going support from our community inclusion specialist.
- What if I want to be in the intervention group?
We love that you are interested in the intervention group. We have to assign participants randomly in order to keep the research authentic. After you’re done with the research study, we invite you to meet with the community inclusion specialist to talk about your goals and brainstorm strategies for participation.
- What’s the time commitment?
All participants will be in the study for 6 months. The 3 research interviews will happen at the beginning, middle, and end of the 6 months. These interviews will last about an hour.
If you are in the intervention group, you will connect with the community inclusion specialist for about an hour every other week. You will also have the chance to connect with others through a Discord server. The amount of time you spend on that is up to you. There will be new questions posted weekly.
Of course, the goal is to help you engage in your community, but the amount of time you decide to spend on these activities is ultimately up to you.
- Do I have to go anywhere?
Not exactly. The goal of the project is to increase community participation in the things you want to do. Of course, no one can make you go anywhere! We hope that this project will help you find things in your community that you want to do, develop your own strategies to participate, and engage on your terms.
The intervention program is distance based, which means you may receive phone or video calls, text messages, and opportunities to engage in a Discord peer group.
Research interviews can all take place via phone or video calls.
- Why should I do this?
Did you know the activities you choose to do now are likely to become lifelong patterns? Community participation and recreation activities are a great way to get to know people, express your identity, and support your mental health through everyday activities. This project provides a focused opportunity to make plans and engage in the community activities you want to.
- What’s in it for me?
Not only will this project support your goals to participate more in the community, but you will also receive up to $90 in gift cards in appreciation for time spent in the research interviews. We have a few different gift card options available for you to pick.
- What have others gotten out of research?
Research is a great way to help shape the future of service delivery. Don’t like the focus of mental health services now? Participating in this type of study gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion on the development of intervention programs. You can help shape the future of mental health services.