Bibliotherapy Project

Study title: Bibliotherapy for Mitigating Stress and Anxiety Among Undergraduate Students

Principal investigator: Alwyn Alfred Carvalho (Researcher)

Supervisor / Guide: Dr. Priyamwada Joshi
 

1. Purpose of the study:

You are invited to take part in a research project that aims to test whether a structured bibliotherapy program (reading + facilitated group discussion) can help reduce stress and anxiety among undergraduate students. The study combines questionnaires (standardized stress/anxiety scales) and group discussions to measure stress and anxiety among students and whether it can be mitigated through bibliotherapy.

Please note that participants below the age of 18 (eighteen) are not eligible to participate in this study.

2. Process of Participation:

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to:

• Complete a short background questionnaire and standardized stress and anxiety scales before the program (pre-test).

• Join a predetermined number of facilitated group bibliotherapy sessions led by the researcher. Sessions will be scheduled around twice a month and may last approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

• Complete the same standardized scales after the program (post-test).

• Participants will be invited for short follow-up interviews or group discussions to describe their experience (identification with texts, emotional response, and insight). These discussions may be audio/video-recorded for transcription and analysis; recordings and transcripts will be stored securely and used only for this research.

3. Duration:

Total time commitment for participants is expected to be approximately 6 to 8 weeks including pre/post testing and sessions.

The sessions will include group discussions and other instructions pertaining to the test. 

Questionnaires and tests will be conducted as per the test’s data collection requirements.

In case you are unable to attend one particular session, an additional bridge session will be conducted in between the main sessions.

4. Disclaimer:

• Some reading material or group discussion topics may touch on stressful emotions. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you may decline to answer or share, or withdraw from the study without penalty.

• The facilitator will aim to keep discussions supportive and non-judgmental; referral information for counselling services will be provided if needed.

5. Confidentiality and Data Use:

• All data collected from you will be kept strictly confidential and used only for the stated purposes of this project (analysis, thesis reporting, possible publications). Identifiable information will be removed from reports and only aggregated results or anonymized quotes may be used.

• Audio/Video recordings (if any) will be transcribed and the audio/video files will be safely and securely archived after transcription.

• You may request a copy of your data at any point during the project. If you request it, we will provide you with your individual responses/transcripts in a secure manner.

• Data will be stored on password-protected devices and/or locked cabinets and accessed only by the researcher and authorized supervisor.

6. Consent and Withdrawal:

Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or to stop participating at any time without any academic penalty or loss of any services to which you are otherwise entitled. 

Your decision will not affect your relationship with the college or the researcher.

7. Appeal for Data Integrity:

You are requested to provide all required information honestly and accurately so that the project results are reliable and unbiased. Honest responses help ensure valid findings and meaningful conclusions, free from misinterpretations and errors.

8. Note for Participants:

If you withdraw, you may also request that your collected data be removed from the study records (where possible). 

If removal is requested after analysis has begun, the researcher will explain what can and cannot be removed because of analytic or reporting constraints.

If you wish to withdraw from the study, you must also surrender, remove, and/or delete any information with respect to the study retained by you or in your possession. 

9. Non Disclosure for Participants:

No data / information / disclosure / conversation / discussion or expression used during the study, including, but not limited to the group discussion, questionnaires and tests must be shared to anyone outside of the discussion room.

Disclosing such information is a breach of confidentiality and privacy as participants are expected to be honest and freely share their thoughts and emotional states to understand stress and anxiety.

10. For Queries and Concerns:

If you have any questions about the study, your rights as a participant, or would like to request a copy of your data, contact:

• Researcher: 

Alwyn Alfred Carvalho –    Mobile No. 8097105763

Email: alwyn.carvalho@vpmthane.org 

(Assistant Professor – Department of English and Student - MLISC Part II)

• Supervisor / Guide: 

Dr. Priyamwada Joshi – Kindly visit in person in MLISC classroom from 7:30 AM to 11 AM
Email: ppjoshi@vpmthane.org 

(Assistant Professor – Department of Library and Information Science)