FAQs

What is the purpose of this research?

We are testing the effects of the Aid Worker Wellbeing and Resilience (AWARE) Program which is designed to increase wellbeing and decrease distress in aid workers.

What is involved?

Participants will do 4 online modules that take around 30 minutes complete and can also be done in smaller segments ranging from 5 to 10 minutes. Participants will also be asked to complete 3 surveys to track their progress. To help our research, it is very important that participants complete the whole program if possible.

The modules include animated videos, individual reflection, and exercises. There are also short take-home activities.

Participants will also be asked to complete 3 surveys to track their progress. The first survey takes around 20 minutes and the second and third survey take 10-15 minutes each.

To help our research, it is very important that participants complete the whole program if possible.

Who can participate?

We are seeking participants who are:

• Over 18 years of age,
• Comfortable in English (as all materials will be delivered in English).
• Aid workers who have worked or volunteered in the aid sector for a minimum of 3 months. This includes: humanitarian work, development cooperation, relief work, and volunteer placements in aid or humanitarian projects and organisations. It excludes people working in peacekeeping, military operations, and diplomacy.

We are seeking participants who work in a variety of roles and come from a range of countries, including both national and international aid workers.

What will I gain?

AWARE is designed to help Aid workers:

• Learn how to manage stress
• Increase well-being and resilience
• Manage difficult thoughts and emotions
• Live in line with important personal values

When you have completed the program and second survey you’ll receive a Summary Guide that outlines the techniques and exercises used in the program. And one you have completed the third and final survey we will send you a Personalised Report showing changes in your wellbeing, all of the writing you have done in exercises, and additional information and resources.

How is the program accessed?

The program is online and can be completed on computers or smartphones. You will need access to the internet, but we have tried to reduce the bandwidth required wherever possible.

Does it cost?

Participation is completely free and there are no costs involved.

How do I start?

Simply register here. You just need to provide your email address to register. Then you can use your email to login each time.

I completed a written exercise, but when I go back to it, the writing is gone. Is it lost?

All your writing is saved on our database and will be sent to you in the personalised report once you complete the third survey. We do not keep it visible to ensure data security and also to enable you to complete the exercises again if you like.

Is my personal information secure? Why is there no password?

Your personal information is completely secure and will only be seen by the researchers. For the research we make all data anonymous and aggregate it together so that no individual is recognisable.

Each time you will be asked to login with your email but no password. This is to help participants progress through the program. At each new login, you will see that the past information entered is not visible, so it cannot be accessed by anyone else.

Is the data kept confidential?

All data collected in this study will be stored confidentially. No personal information will be collected e.g. we will not ask for your name or birthdate. Only members of the research team will have access to the data. All data will be analysed and reported in such a way that responses cannot be linked to any individual.

How can I stop the study?

Participation in this study is completely voluntary and you are free to withdraw from this study at any time. If you wish to withdraw, simply stop undertaking the training or opt out using the link in the emails. If you do not want the survey materials you have completed up to that point to be included in the study, please email the researchers at t.young@uq.edu.au and your data will be deleted.

How can I contact the researchers?

If you wish to contact us at any time, please see contact us here..