Exploration of Transitional Spaces As A Social Catalyst

for High School Students Who Experience Social Anxiety Disorder

Informed Consent Form

Lyra Gaye C. Dela Rosa

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Exploration of Transitional Spaces As A
Social Catalyst for High School Students
Who Experience Social Anxiety Disorder

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide to participate in this study, it is
important that you understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve.

Please read the following information carefully and feel free to ask the researcher if there is anything that is
not clear or if you need more information.

The purpose of the study is to explore appropriate transitional space design in a high school setting that will
provide a supportive environment for teenagers who experience Social Anxiety Disorder. Transition spaces
are simply defined as spaces that interconnect two or more areas or places. It acts as “buffer spaces” or
“physical links” that connect specific areas. (Ex. hallways, foyers, porches) The survey shall identify which
interior elements can be applied to design a supportive environment of a transitional space. In this regard,
you will be asked to answer based on your own judgment and perspective.

STUDY PROCEDURES
Your participation in the study will be involved in the procedure of surveys and interviews respectively. It
tackles a two-part process; the first part is highlighted on assessing the presence of Social Anxiety Disorder
among students through a standardized survey called SPIN or “Social Phobia Inventory” test. The second part
is focused on identifying which specific interior elements can act as a supportive tool for encouraging social
behavior among students. This part contains self-administered questionnaires and interviews. Interviews are
to be conducted for in-depth perceptions of students regarding their judgments on the specific interior
elements, as well as on the current conditions of the specific transition space existing in the institution.

DURATION
Answering the SPIN test survey may take up to 10 minutes, while the second questionnaire may take up to
approximately 15 minutes. The interview to be conducted afterward may endure 5-10 minutes depending on
the answers provided by the respondent.

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VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Voluntary   participation is greatly acknowledged in this study. It is up to you whether or not you decide to
participate. If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign this consent form. After you sign this
consent form, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawing from this
study will not affect your relationship with the researcher if there is any. If you withdraw from the study
before data collection is completed, your data will be destroyed.

RISKS
Given the topic's sensitivity, it is understood that it can be considered triggering for some students. You may
decline to answer any or all questions and withdraw your participation at any time if you choose.

BENEFITS
The study will be of great benefit mainly to the specific school, as it is initially conducted to help encourage
social behavior among students through a supportive form of environment within the institution. It will help
enlighten students and school administrators of new knowledge regarding the topic and can serve as a
resource for future designers and researchers in relation to the subject matter.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Your responses in this research will be anonymous. Every effort will be made by the researcher to preserve
your confidentiality, including the following:

1. If it applies, codes or pseudonyms shall replace the name of the involved respondents in case it is
referenced in the study.
2. The information gathered will be kept safely in a secure storage that only the researcher has access to.
3. Voice recordings from the interviews are deleted immediately after transcription.
4. Rest assured that all information provided by the respondents will be discarded after the study.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions at any time about this study, or if you experience any non-normative sensations as
a result of participation, you may contact the researcher whose contact information is on the first page. If
you have any questions regarding your rights as a research participant, or if problems arise which you do not
feel you can discuss with the Principal Investigator, please contact the Director of the Research Ethics Office,
Dr. Nelson
Madelene Sta. Maria
Arboleda Jr. at [email protected] or by calling (632) 524-4611 local 513.

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 CONSENT

This section is mandatory

I have read the provided information, or it has been read to me. I have had the opportunity to ask
questions about it and any questions I have been asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I
understand that I will be given a copy of this form, and the researcher will keep another copy on file. I
consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study.

Print Name of Participant

Signature of Participant
Date
Day/month/year

This section is mandatory

Print Name of Impartial Witness
Signature of Impartial Witness
Date
Day/month/year

This section is mandatory

Print Name of Researcher
Signature of Researcher
Date
Day/month/year

If the participant is illiterate

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I have witnessed the accurate reading of the consent form to the potential participant, and the individual
has had the opportunity to ask questions. I confirm that the individual has given consent freely.

Print name of witness

Signature of witness
Date
Day/month/year

1
A literate witness must sign (if possible, this person should be selected by the participant and should have no connection to the
research team).