Co-investigators:  Dr Samuel Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Management, Swinburne University of Technology; Dr Bronwyn Eager, Lecturer in Management, University of Tasmania; Dr Ben Bullock, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology; Professor Anne Bardoel, Professor in Human Resource Management, Swinburne University of Technology.

What is the study about? / Why is the study important?
The aim of the current study is to investigate mental health and well-being among self-employed, owner-managers (entrepreneurs). Entrepreneurs experience many unique work demands, which may increase vulnerability to psychological strain, thus it is important to understand the impact of entrepreneurship on mental health and well-being. It is hoped that the findings of this study will contribute to the literature on mental health and well-being in entrepreneurs, and that this will potentially lead to future improvements in the prevention and treatment of psychological distress in this professional group.
 
Who can take part in the study?
Participants must be aged 18 years or older, self-employed, and speak fluent English.
 
What does the study involve? / What is the time commitment?
Participation in the study involves completing an anonymous, online survey, which will include demographic questions (e.g., age, gender, marital status, some questions about your industry) and questions relating to burnout (emotional exhaustion, cynicism, professional efficacy), psychological distress, sleep quality and substance use. There is also a question about suicidal ideation. Participation is voluntary and you are free to omit any questions that you do not wish to answer. You may withdraw from the study at any time without question or explanation. Please note that it will not be possible to withdraw your data after submitting the questionnaire due to its anonymous nature. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
 
Will all data provided be confidential?
You will not be required to provide your name or any other identifying information. Accordingly, all data will be anonymous and not traceable to a particular individual. All data will be stored electronically with password protection. Responses are confidential. Only the researchers will have access to the data. No information about any individual will be given to any other individual or organisation.

How will the data be used?
Findings from this project may be published in a journal article or presented at academic conferences or workshops. Data will be analysed on an aggregate (group-level) basis only. Individual responses will not be analysed or reported, therefore individuals will not be identifiable.
 
How do I take part in the study?
If you would like to participate in this research project, please select "Yes" at the bottom of this page. Please be aware that by completing and submitting the survey you are implying informed consent to take part in this research project.
 
If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact Dr Sharon Grant, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, on (03) 9214 4568 or at sgrant@swin.edu.au.
 
Participation in this study may raise some issues for you. If you are experiencing psychological distress, you are encouraged to contact the low-cost Swinburne Psychology Clinic, Ph: (03) 9214 8653 (Melbourne participants). Alternatively, you can contact Lifeline, Ph: 13 11 14 for a crisis telephone counselling service, or the Suicide Call Back Service, 1300 659 467. You may wish to visit the websites for beyondblue: www.beyondblue.org.au or Mental Health Online: www.mentalhealthonline.org.au.
 
This project has been approved by or on behalf of Swinburne’s Human Research Ethics Committee in line with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans. If you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of this project, you can contact: Research Ethics Officer, Swinburne Research, Swinburne University of Technology, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia 3122. Tel. +61 (3) 9214 3845 or resethics@swin.edu.au. Please print and retain this sheet for your records.