Forming an identity is one of the key tasks of adolescence and

young adulthood and this may be made additionally tricky for

those with health-related challenges, such as chronic pain. 

We are interested in how young people make sense of and

understand their identity, especially in relation to their chronic pain.

Take part in our research

 

We are looking for young people to take part in a photo-elicitation interview via Microsoft Teams (online). In this interview we would like to talk to young people with chronic pain about their identity. This study has been approved by the University of Bath Ethics ref 23 034.

What’s involved in the study

Before the interview, you will be asked to gather 4-8 photographs that represent who you are, these can either be taken especially for the study, or photographs you have taken previously. Before the interview, you will need to upload these photographs to a secure online server. You will then meet a researcher on Microsoft Teams and they will ask you questions about how you see yourself and what makes you ‘you’ using these images. 

There are no right or wrong answers, we just want to hear what you think. The interview itself will last about 20-60 minutes and will take place at a time that suits you. The interview will be video recorded so that we can catch everything that you say and transcribe it for reference. 

If you agree, we will also keep a copy of the photographs that you have provided to help us tell others about the study findings (but you do not have to agree to this if you do not wish).

Eligibility

To be able to take part you need to:

•    Be between 16 and 24 years old
•    Be experiencing chronic pain (lasting longer than 3 months, either intermittent or continuous) 
•    Be able to take digital photographs either on a smartphone or digital camera
•    Have access to the internet (to upload the photographs, and to take part in the interview)
•    Be fluent in English

What will happen to your data

Should you decide to take part, the interview will be recorded. These recordings will then be typed up and the files stored on an encrypted password-protected computer. Any potentially identifying details, including your name, will be removed. The interview information will not be linked to any contact details that you provide and will be stored separately so you cannot be identified. The recordings will be deleted after they have been typed up.

Once the project is completed, the information you have given to me will be kept safely by the University of Bath. If you give your consent, it may be used by other genuine researchers, with the University of Bath’s approval, under the strict rules governing the confidentiality of your information. So again, your name, or any material that might identify you, will never be used or given to anyone.

If you consent for us to keep your photographs then identifiable information, such as street names and hospital names, will be blurred, but your face will be visible. These photographs may then be used for publication, sharing the results of the study findings or future analysis. 

Are you interested?

If you have any questions about this study, or wish to take part, please contact Tess Rugg at i-pain@bath.ac.uk