Research Study Information

Alef Trust & Liverpool John Moores University

Participant Information

Study Title

The Attuned Entrepreneur:
Exploring the Impact of Self-Leadership on Intrapersonal Relationships through Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Researcher:
Martin Leitner, MSc Candidate

Supervisor:
Dee Reed, PhD

Invitation

You are invited to take part in this research study. Before you decide, it is important that you understand the purpose of the research and what it involves. Please read the information provided carefully. If anything is unclear or you need more details, feel free to ask us. There is no rush—please consider whether you’d like to be involved at your own pace. Thank you!

1. What is the purpose of the study?

This study aims to better understand the internal world of entrepreneurs. We are specifically exploring:

– How entrepreneurs relate to themselves in the ups and downs of their work life.

– How different practices can help them manage their internal challenges.

Practically speaking, this study involves a group of 12 entrepreneurs meeting twice weekly over the course of three weeks. Each of the 6 sessions lasts about 75 minutes, and includes guided practices such as mindfulness meditation, embodiment and movement, and self-reflection through journaling.

Essentially, we aim to explore whether this approach can make the entrepreneurial journey smoother and more fulfilling.

2. Who can take part in this study?

To take part in this study you need to be physically present in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia for the duration of the 3-week study in April 2024 (final dates to be confirmed). You need to be willing to engage in twice-weekly 75-minute practices and meet the following requirements:

• Aged 25 years or older.
• At least three years of entrepreneurial or self-employment experience.
•  Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Psychologically and emotionally stable, with no current mental health challenges or
  significant conflicts.
• No recent history of mental health crises or suicidal ideation.
• Not currently undergoing psychopharmacological treatments (e.g. antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, etc)

3. Do I have to take part?

No, participation is entirely your choice. If you choose to participate, you will receive a copy of this information sheet and be asked to sign a consent form. You have the freedom to withdraw from the study at any time, without needing to provide a reason.

4. What happens if I take part?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be joining a group of entrepreneurs in a series of activities designed to explore and enhance your understanding of your relationship with yourself within the entrepreneurial context.

Specifically, you will:

• Participate in an introduction session where you will be introduced to the practices involved and the framework of the study.
• Participate in six practice sessions over three weeks, each approximately 75 minutes long. These sessions will include guided meditations, embodiment and movement practices, reflective journaling exercises, and group discussions.
• Provide the researcher with a very brief written reflection on your experience after each session, using pen and paper.
• Complete a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study to help assess the impact of the practice sessions.

5. Are there any risks / benefits involved?

Potential risks:
While the practices used in the study are well researched and generally considered safe, there remains a slight risk that emotional reactions or unprocessed feelings may come up. If distressing emotional content arises, you will receive information and guidance about accessing counselling or therapeutic services.

Removal from the study:
In the unlikely event that unprocessed material or past trauma becomes excessively activated, you may be removed from the study.

Potential Gains:
By participating in the study you get to practise with fellow entrepreneurs, you may get to know yourself better, and learn new tools to potentially better navigate the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship in the modern world.

Compensation / Costs:
There are no costs to you, nor is there any monetary compensation involved in participating in the study.

Research Contribution:
There are no intended benefits associated with taking part however your involvement will enrich research on entrepreneurial well-being, potentially providing valuable insights.

6. Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?

Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. You do not have to provide your real name on any questionnaires and therefore the information you provide cannot be identified with your name. You are requested to provide the researcher with a signed or initialled consent form which will be kept by the researcher separate from any other information you provide. This will be stored securely and destroyed within 5 years of completion of the study.

7. Has this study been approved by an ethics committee?

The Alef Trust Research Ethics Panel has assessed the research study and approved it.