You are invited to participate in a project titled Understanding Companion Animal Loss following the Breakdown of Human Relationships: A Grounded Theory Study which seeks to explore how pets feature during a separation. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the experiences of people who have lost a companion animal as a consequence of a relationship breakdown. 

​

You are being asked to take part in this project because you identified that you lost a companion animal as a consequence of a relationship breakdown. The information you provide about your experience with this issue will provide valuable insight into how people navigate and adjust to the complexities that are associated with this the life event. Further, the knowledge that you have in relation to pets and separation will form the foundation of a comprehensive theory that will explain how losing a companion animal in the context of a relationship breakdown can influence individual mental health and wellbeing. 

​

This research project is being undertaken as part of the requirements of a PhD at Edith Cowan University. 

Please read this information carefully. Ask questions about anything that you do not understand or want to know more about. Before deciding whether or not to take part, you might want to talk about it with a trusted relative or friend. 

​

If you decide you want to take part in the research project, you will be asked to sign the consent section. By signing it you are telling us that you: 

​

• • Understand what you have read; 

• • Consent to take part in the research project; 

• • Consent to be involved in the research described; 

• • Consent to the use of your personal information as described. 

 

What is this project about? 

This project aims to develop a theory that explains the individual, relational and social processes that interact to influence how individuals experience the loss of a pet as a result of a relationship breakdown. 

The findings from this research will enhance how pets are currently understood in the context of a separation, how pet loss under these conditions is experienced and the factors that may influence decisions around who assumes primary ownership of the couple’s pet in the wake of a breakdown. Ultimately, the impact this experience has on individual mental health and wellbeing will emerge and potentially challenge how pets are categorised under the Family Law Act (1975). 

The findings from this study will make a significant contribution to the psychological and family law research while also offering a resource for individuals confronted with similar situations and the professionals who support them through this journey. 

​

What does my participation involve? 

Your participation in this research project will involve an initial discussion with the researcher to determine eligibility and arrange a time and place to conduct the interview. The interview will be held at a location and time that is most convenient for you. Videoconferencing is also available should this be your preference. During our meeting, I will ask you to complete some general demographic information and obtained signed consent. Following this, we will discuss your separation, with a focus on issues related to your pet. To ensure this research accurately reflects the issues individuals consider when confronted with this process, I may need to contact you again as part of a follow-up. Please note that our discussion will be audio recorded. It is anticipated that interviews will last approximately 1 hour in length. 

​

Do I have to take part in this research project? 

Your participation in this research project is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you do not have to. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you are free to withdraw from the project at any time prior to publication. This includes the removal of any data you may have contributed. 

​

If you do decide to take part, you will be given this Participant Information Letter and Consent form to sign and you will be given a copy of the information letter to keep. Your decision to take part, or to take part and later withdraw, will not affect your relationship with the research team and your decision will be respected without question.

 

Your privacy 

By signing the consent form provided at time of interview, you consent to the research team collecting and using personal information about you or information about your health for the research project. Any information obtained in connection with this research project that can identify you will remain confidential. Pseudonyms will be used in the transcripts and during discussions with the research team to ensure you cannot be identified. The chief investigator is the only person who will be aware of your full name and any identifiable details. Your information will be used for the purpose of this research project and may be used in further approved research projects. it will only be disclosed with your permission, except as required by law. 

It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified, except where requested for specific reasons, and then you will be asked to provide written consent. 

​

In accordance with relevant Australian and/or Western Australian privacy and other relevant laws, you have the right to request access to the information about you that is collected and stored by the research team. You also have the right to request that any information with which you disagree be corrected. Please inform the research team member named at the end of this letter if you would like to access your information. 

All data collected will be kept in accordance with ECU’s Data Management Policy. Electronic data will be stored on a secure Microsoft SharePoint site provisioned by ECU’s IT Services and physical records will be stored as required in ECU’s Records Management Policy. The data will be retained for (seven years) and then destroyed, if appropriate at the end of the retention period. Data will be de-identified when stored and at the end of the retention period, the data will be destroyed, if appropriate under the State Records Act. 

​

Possible Benefits 

This research may not provide direct benefit to you personally but may provide benefits for people who will be confronted with this issue in the future and guidance for the professionals who assist them. 

​

Possible Risks and Risk Management Plan 

Your involvement in this study may cause some emotional discomfort as we discuss issues related to your relationship breakdown and the loss of your companion animal. You may feel that some of the questions we ask are stressful or upsetting. If you do not wish to answer a question, you may skip it and go to the next question, or you may stop immediately. If you become upset or worried as a result of your participation in the research project, please seek the advice of your GP or relevant health professional. You may also wish to contact the following health support services: 

• Lifeline: 13 13 14 

• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 

• 1800RESPECT 

• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 

• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 

 

What happens when this research study stops? 

We will advise you of the outcomes via email. We also intend to publish our results in research journals and present them at research conferences locally, nationally and internationally. Your name or any other identifying information will not be included in any of the publications or presentations. If you would like a copy of the completed project or a summary of findings, please let me know either in person or by email and these will be emailed to you upon the completion of this project. 

Has this research been approved? 

This research project has received the approval of Edith Cowan University’s Human Research Ethics Committee, in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 (Updated 2018).