BUDDHISTSURVEY2011HMS

Dear Potential Respondent,

You are invited to participate in a research project being conducted by Heather M. Saini, a doctoral student in the Department of Counseling at The University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the relationship between the practices and constructs of meditation, nonattachment, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility. Approximately two hundred individuals will be participating in this study. If you are 18 years or older and live in the U.S.A. or Canada, and you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and three survey instruments. Completion time for the online survey will take approximately 15-25 minutes. There are no anticipated benefits or risks to you as a participant, aside from helping us have a better understanding of this research topic. Self-awareness may be enhanced; however, slight discomfort may occur if you are not accustomed to focusing on emotional issues.

Participation in the project is completely voluntary and if you refuse to participate, no penalty is involved. If you agree to participate, you may refuse to answer any questions and may withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. All information will remain anonymous and no identifying data will be collected, including e-mail addresses. Your anonymity will be protected throughout the study and any publication of results, and further protected by not asking you to sign and return an informed consent document. All data obtained from you through the online survey will be kept confidential and will not be viewed by anyone but the researcher and her advisor. Confidentiality will be maintained through utilizing a number code system that will be assigned to the online responses. Data for this study will be entered into a password protected computer and aggregated answers of all participants completing the survey will be stored on a secure website.

If you have any questions about this study, you can contact Heather M. Saini by e-mailing her at [email protected] or calling her at (647) 247-4107. You can also contact Dr. Cynthia A. Reynolds, Dissertation Chair, at The University of Akron, at [email protected], or calling her at (330) 972-6748. This research project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Akron Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects. Questions about your rights as a research participant can be directed to Ms. Sharon McWhorter, Associate Director, Research Services, at 1-330-972-7666.

Clicking “I agree” below and then clicking on “Continue” to begin the survey will serve as your acceptance that you have read and understood the information provided in this informed consent document and your voluntary consent to participate in this study. Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to help!

I Agree

DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE

* Where do you live?

We are sorry but this study is limited to those living in the U.S.A. or Canada.

* What is your relationship status?

* How many years of education do you have?

* What is your occupation?

* What is your ethnicity / race?

* How many years have you lived in the U.S.A. or Canada?

* Which group most accurately reflects your religious, spiritual, or philosophical worldview?

* How many years have you been affiliated with this religious, spiritual, or philosophical orientation / worldview?

* Which type of meditation do you practice most often?

* How many total hours do you currently practice meditation on average per WEEK?

* How many years have you been involved in a regular meditation practice?

* 1. My painful experiences and memories make it difficult for me to live a life that I would value.

* 2. I’m afraid of my feelings.

* 3. I worry about not being able to control my worries and feelings.

* 4. My painful memories prevent me from having a fulfilling life.

* 5. Emotions cause problems in my life.

* 6. It seems like most people are handling their lives better than I am.

* 7. Worries get in the way of my success.

* 1. I can accept the flow of events in my life without hanging onto them or pushing them away.

* 2. I can let go of regrets and feelings of dissatisfaction about the past.

* 3. I find I can be calm and/or happy even if things are not going my way.

* 4. I have a hard time appreciating others’ successes when they outperform me

* 5. I can remain open to what life offers me regardless of whether it seems desirable or undesirable at a particular time.

* 6. I can enjoy pleasant experiences without needing them to last forever.

* 7. I view the problems that enter my life as things/issues to work on rather than reasons for becoming disheartened or demoralized.

* 8. I can enjoy my possessions without being upset when they are damaged or destroyed.

* 9. The amount of money I have is not important to my sense of who I am.

* 10. I do not go out of my way to cover up or deny my negative qualities or mistakes.

* 11. I accept my flaws.

* 12. I can enjoy my family and friends without feeling I need to hang on to them.

* 13. If things aren’t turning out the way I want, I get upset.

* 14. I can enjoy the pleasures of life without feeling sad or frustrated when they end.

* 15. I can take joy in others’ achievements without feeling envious.

* 16. I find I can be happy almost regardless of what is going on in my life.

* 17. Instead of avoiding or denying life’s difficulties, I face up to them.

* 18. I am open to reflecting on my past mistakes and failings.

* 19. I do not get “hung up” on wanting an “ideal” or “perfect” life.

* 20. I am comfortable being an ordinary, less than perfect human being.

* 21. I can remain open to thoughts and feelings that come into my mind, even if they are negative or painful.

* 22. I can see my own problems and shortcomings without trying to blame them on someone or something outside myself.

* 23. When pleasant experiences end, I am fine moving on to what comes next.

* 24. I am often preoccupied by threats or fears.

* 25. I am not possessive of the people I love.

* 26. I do not have to hang on to the people I love at all costs; I can let them go if they wish to go.

* 27. I do not feel I need to escape or avoid bad experiences in my life.

* 28. I can admit my shortcomings without shame or embarrassment.

* 29. I experience and acknowledge grief following significant losses, but do not become overwhelmed, devastated, or incapable of meeting life’s other demands.

* 30. I am not possessive of the things I own.