1. Background

The University of York would like to invite you to take part in the following research project. Before agreeing to take part, please read this information sheet carefully and let us know if anything is unclear or you would like further information. 

If you have any questions or want to discuss any aspect of the study, please contact Dr. Catherine Preston at Catherine.preston@york.ac.uk before completing the consent form.

2. What is the purpose of the study?

The study is designed to examine what role TikTok videos play in feelings towards the body. The study includes a brief pre-assessment followed by multiple tiktok videos. You are asked to watch all of the videos before moving on to the next section. This section will also involve some information about the videos (who made them etc). 

The last section will include a questionnaire featuring a range of different questions asking about how you feel about your body and your relationship with food. 

This study uses questions that might be sensitive in nature surrounding feelings towards the body and food. If you think these questions might negatively affect you, please do not take part in this study. You are also free to stop the study at any time before completion without providing a reason by clicking the link at the top of a page which will take you to the debrief sheet.

3. Why have I been invited to take part?

You have been invited to take part because you are 18 years or older and are a user of social media. Unfortunately, if you have a current eating disorder, a history of having an eating disorder, or self-identify as having an eating disorder you cannot take part in this study.

4. Do I have to take part?

No, participation is optional. If you do decide to take part, you will be given the option to download a copy of this information sheet HERE. You will also be asked to complete a participant consent form. If you change your mind at any point during the study, you will be able to withdraw your participation without having to provide a reason. You can withdraw at any time before study completion by clicking the link at the top of the page which will take you to a debrief sheet. Then close the window when finished on that page. Data will be stored anonymously on completion. We are therefore not able to remove your responses after study completion or provide any individualise feedback.

5. Will you share my data with 3rd parties?

No. Data will be accessible to the project team at York only. Anonymised data may be reused by the research team or other third parties for secondary research and/or teaching purposes.

6. Will you transfer my data internationally?

No.

7. Will I be identified in any research outputs?

No

8. Questions or concerns

If you have any questions about this participant information sheet or concerns about how your data is being processed, please contact Catherine Preston in the first instance.

If you are still dissatisfied, please contact the University’s Acting Data Protection Officer at dataprotection@york.ac.uk.

Contact Details: Catherine Preston Department of Psychology, The University of York, York, YO10 5DD E-mail: catherine.preston@york.ac.uk

Further Support: If you are affected by any of the issues examined in this study, you may want to access further support which can be found in the links below:
-  Open Door (for University of York students) (opendoor@york.ac.uk)
- Mind (info@mind.org.uk) 
- Beat eating disorders - helpline: 0808 801 0677 ; website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
- Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 support across the UK text: YM to 85258.