The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) are working closely with the University of Chichester and supporting a Research Study exploring perceived Post-Traumatic Growth and Psychological Flexibility.
This study is the first in a series of studies, intended for those, over the age of 18, who feel they’ve experienced trauma (any type of trauma) during their lives, a minimum of six months ago. It therefore reflects a deep and open interest in the lived reality of people whose lives have been touched by trauma (of any type and at any time), by exploring how they experienced and navigated their inner world after traumatic events. For anyone wishing to participate, there is a short questionnaire that takes 5-10 minutes to complete. For participants whose responses qualify (and who indicate specific consent), there may be an invitation for an interview (online for ease) afterwards. However, this is very much optional and in no way affects participation in the questionnaire. The confidential Study Questionnaire opens on the 1st of February 2022 and will remain open for four weeks.
WHO IS LEADING THIS RESEARCH?
This research is being conducted by Alison Woodward at the University of Chichester.
ABOUT ALISON
After winning a scholarship to study music, in 2003, Alison graduated from the University of Chichester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She also won the Wiley Prize for Academic Excellence.
Since 2006, Alison has been a Senior Lecturer in Music and a Performance Development Coordinator at the University of Chichester.
In 2007, Alison graduated from the University of Chichester with a Master of Arts degree in Music Performance.
Since 2018, Alison has been Deputy Head of Department (Music) and Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) acting for Film and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Music degree courses at the University of Chichester.
In 2017, Alison was appointed Deputy Director of the University of Chichester Conservatoire.
Alison is currently studying for a PhD in Post-Traumatic Growth and will work closely with BRIT, offering an opportunity for our BRIT Ambassadors, and those who follow and support our work, to be involved in her research.
Alison has four children: Keris, Theo, Ozzie and Abe.
Alison has supported the Sussex Snowdrop Trust since the loss of her precious son, Miles. As a Snowdrop Mum, she shares her experience of how the Sussex Snowdrop Trust were with her family through every step of their journey. Her bravery to share her family’s moving and poignant story raises awareness of the Trust’s work, giving a greater appreciation of the difference fundraising makes to the lives of children who are coping with the day-to-day challenges of a life threatening or terminal illness.
Research Study Exploring Perceived Post-Traumatic Growth and Psychological Flexibility
If you feel your life has been touched by trauma and that you have experienced negative and/or positive changes in its wake, we would love to hear from you. Most of us are familiar with the term post-traumatic stress and have (or will have) lived experiences of facing challenges and adversity in our lives. However, a growing body of research has begun to recognise that, alongside the distress often experienced in the aftermath of trauma, people sometimes voice other types of changes too – changes which may be perceived as having come about through navigating difficulty. The study here, therefore, reflects a deep and open interest in the lived reality of people whose lives have been touched by trauma (of any type and at any time), by exploring how they experience and navigate their inner world after traumatic events. If this is you, your thoughts and feelings will be unique, often complex, and incredibly valuable, and may help us better understand the relationships between post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and psychological flexibility.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for people who are aged 18 or over, who feel they’ve experienced trauma (any type of trauma) during their lives, a minimum of six months ago.
WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED TO DO?
You will respond to a secure, short online survey about the type(s) of trauma(s) you have experienced during your life; their frequency; your age(s) at the time; the type of relationship(s) you may have had with any other people involved (where relevant) and the trauma you believe has been most significant to you. You’ll then score potential ‘changes’ you may or may not have experienced as a result of this most significant trauma. The questions will take around 5-10 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked whether you’re willing, if selected, to participate in a one-to-one interview, offered online for ease. Please be reassured that, regardless of whether you are invited to interview, your contribution will have been uniquely valuable. For those who are interviewed, the questions will ask you to explore (as much or as little as you are happy to) your thoughts, feelings and processes, both in the direct aftermath of the trauma and during the time since. Interviews will be confidentially recorded for transcription and analysis. Please note, your information and data will remain confidential and anonymous.
HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART IN THIS RESEARCH?
Please paste the text into your web browser;
WHO CAN YOU CONTACT TO ASK ABOUT THIS RESEARCH?
Please contact Alison at the University of Chichester at A.Woodward@chi.ac.uk
HOW WE HOPE OUR BRIT AMBASSADORS WILL FIND TAKING PART HELPFUL
Research into Post Traumatic Growth Many of our BRIT Ambassadors have experienced adversity or trauma in their lives. They share their lived experience in the hope of inspiring young adults and students, encouraging participation in the annual BRIT Challenge to improve mental health and fitness, increasing fundraising efforts for charities, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek support if they are struggling to cope. Our BRIT Ambassadors share their stories many times and, because of this, some have expressed that the sense of intimate connection they with it can fade and grow distant over time. Inspiring others requires a sustained depth of contact with our lived experience. How BRIT Ambassadors have navigated their lived experience will be unique, often complex, and incredibly valuable, and may help us better understand the relationships between post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and psychological flexibility. We also hope involvement in the study will reconnect our BRIT Ambassadors to their extraordinary stories of overcoming trauma and adversity; the lived experiences that they are sharing with the young adults and students who we are striving to support.
