INFORMATION SHEET FOR Attachment Styles and Emotional Regulation

Before you decide to take part in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. A member of the research team can be contacted if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.

This research project looks at exploring the relationship between attachment styles (such as secure, anxious, and avoidant) and emotional regulation strategies in adults. The study aims to understand how different attachment styles influence emotional regulation to contribute to potential mental health interventions. This study will be completed by August 1, 2025.

You have been chosen to participate in this study because you are an adult aged 18-45 years, able to understand and complete online surveys in English, and willing to provide informed consent. In this study, you will complete two online questionnaires: the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale - Short Form (ECR-S), which assesses attachment patterns in romantic relationships, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale - Short Form (DERS-SF), which measures emotional regulation abilities. The entire process will take approximately 20 minutes and will be conducted online through a secure platform.

Possible Disadvantages/Risks: Participants may experience minor emotional discomfort due to the nature of the questions. However, participation is voluntary, and you may skip any question or withdraw at any time without penalty. A debrief form with contact details for support will be provided.

Benefits: While there are no direct benefits for participants, your contribution will help advance understanding of attachment styles and emotional regulation strategies, potentially informing future mental health interventions.

The results of this project will be written up for a master' dissertation. All participant data will remain anonymous and confidential. Data will be stored securely on a password-protected platform (Gorilla) accessible only to authorized personnel involved in the study. No personal identifying information will be collected beyond consent acknowledgment.

You have the right to withdraw participation at any point up until the point that the anonymised data can no longer be identified.

The project has received ethical approval from the School of Science Research Ethics Committee, Birkbeck, University of London

Primary investigator contact details: Hana Butterfield, hbutte02@student.bbk.ac.uk, 07864377458

For information about Birkbeck's data protection policy please visit:
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/about-us/policies/privacy#7

If you have concerns about this study, please contact the School's Ethics Officer at: ethics@psychology.bbk.ac.uk
School Research Officer
School of Science, Department of Psychological Sciences
Birkbeck, University of London
London WC1E 7HX

You also have the right to submit a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office
https://ico.org.uk/

Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet. We appreciate your consideration of this research project.