IRIS Participant Page

Why Your Participation Is Important

Your participation in the IRIS Study is crucial for several reasons:

1. Advance Scientific Knowledge: By participating, you will help researchers understand how people cope with and recover from traumatic injuries. This knowledge can lead to new and improved methods for supporting others facing similar challenges.
2. Contribute to Better Treatments: The data collected from your experience can inform healthcare providers and policymakers, leading to the development of better treatment plans and interventions for individuals dealing with psychological trauma.
3. Personal Empowerment: Being part of this study offers you an opportunity to contribute to research that might directly benefit you and others in the future. Your unique experiences and insights are invaluable to making a difference in the field of trauma recovery.
4. Innovative Data Collection: Your participation involves the use of cutting-edge technology and methods, such as biosensors and electronic diaries, which makes your contribution especially significant. This innovative approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of recovery processes.
5. Long-term Impact: The findings from this study have the potential to transform how we approach and manage psychological trauma recovery, ultimately helping to improve the lives of countless individuals who suffer from psychological injuries.

By taking part in the IRIS Study, you are playing a vital role in advancing research that aims to bring about meaningful change in the field of trauma recovery. Your involvement is not just valuable - it’s essential. Thank you for participating in this important study!

***As a participant in the IRIS Study, your continuing participation through the end of the study is of the utmost importance if at all possible.***   

Participant Expectations

1. Wear a study-provided Garmin smartwatch throughout the study.
2. Complete 3 online surveys throughout the study (approx. 20 minutes each). The first will be at the beginning of the study, the second at 1 month, and the final at 3 months.
3. Install a mobile phone app called mEMA (we can help with the installation).
4. Use the mEMA app to answer a short set of check-in questions (approx. 5 minutes per set) once in the morning and once before bedtime. You will do this 6 days per week.
5. Use the mEMA app to record a quick audio diary during each check-in answering 2 questions. You will do this 6 days per week.
6. Return the study-provided Garmin smartwatch after the study concludes.  

Study Overview

The IRIS study aims to explore new scientific territory by testing a theory that predicts how people cope with recovery from traumatic injuries.

This study will be the first to track 300 injury survivors using innovative data collection methods, including biosensors, self-report surveys, daily electronic diaries, and audio self-reports. By employing new methods and advanced nonlinear analysis techniques, this project has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of how people adapt to acute trauma and improve current theories on traumatic stress recovery.

Funding Source

The IRIS Study is funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Sign Up For Text Communications to Keep in Touch

It's important that you can find the answers you need to be comfortable with your role in the IRIS study. To keep in touch, sign up for text communications below. This is a two-way channel where you can text us with any questions or concerns, and we will respond within 24 hours during regular business hours.

About our text communication system

• Purpose of text communications: The text messages in this research study serve the dual purpose of enabling participants to easily contact the UCCS research team with study-related inquiries and prompting participant engagement.
• Frequency of text communications: Participants will receive occasional text messages primarily aimed at encouraging their participation in the study. Participants are encouraged to contact the UCCS research team as frequently as required.
• Opt-in instructions: To consent and opt in to receiving text messages from the UCCS research team, please reply with 'YES' to the initial study communication or follow the instructions provided. For further assistance, contact Chip Benight at cbenight@uccs.edu.
• Opt-out instructions: To opt out of receiving text messages from the UCCS research team at any time, simply reply 'STOP' to any text message received or contact Chip Benight at cbenight@uccs.edu.