ABF Veteran Online Book Club
Participant Information and Consent Form
1. About the Project
The ABF Veteran Online Book Club is a 12-month online book club for Australian veterans, families, friends, first responders, and other community members. Alongside the book club, ABF is conducting a research and evaluation study to better understand how participation may influence wellbeing, social connection, resilience, and reading habits.
Participation in the research component is optional and separate from participation in the book club itself.
2. Invitation to Participate
You are invited to take part in this research and evaluation study as part of the ABF Veteran Online Book Club.
Before deciding whether to participate, it is important that you understand:
why the research is being conducted, and
what your participation will involve.
Please read the information below carefully before providing your consent.
3. Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of a 12-month online book club using bibliotherapy (the use of reading for wellbeing).
Specifically, the study will examine whether participation in the book club is associated with changes in:
personal wellbeing
social engagement and connection
resilience
reading habits and attitudes toward reading
Findings will be used to:
evaluate the effectiveness of the program
inform reports to the project funder
guide future program development
4. What Participation Involves
If you agree to participate in the research component, you will be asked to:
complete online surveys at several points during the program, including:
before the program begins
quarterly during the program
after the program concludes
answer questions about your wellbeing, social connection, resilience, and reading habits
Participation is expected to involve approximately:
reading one prescribed book per month
attending one optional online book club meeting per month (approximately 1 hour)
spending 10–20 minutes completing each survey
Important:
Participation in the research is voluntary and not required to take part in the book club itself.
5. Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Your participation in this research is completely voluntary.
You may:
choose not to participate, or
withdraw from the research at any time
You do not need to provide a reason for withdrawing.
If you withdraw:
any data already collected may still be used in a de-identified form, unless you request otherwise
your access to the book club, resources, or future ABF programs will not be affected
6. Potential Benefits
You may experience benefits such as:
increased enjoyment of reading
opportunities for social connection with other veterans
improved wellbeing or personal insight through shared reading and reflection
However, benefits cannot be guaranteed.
7. Possible Risks or Discomforts
Some reading materials, discussions, or survey questions may bring up emotional responses or memories.
You are free to:
skip any questions
step back from discussions
pause or stop participation at any time
If participation causes distress, support information and referral options will be provided.
You are encouraged to seek support from:
a trusted person
your healthcare provider
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (1800 011 046)
8. Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is important to us.
All survey responses are anonymous. No identifying information will be collected in surveys.
Data will be securely stored and accessed only by authorised members of the research team.
All data will be de-identified before analysis and reporting.
No individual participant will be identifiable in any reports, publications, or presentations.
Please note:
Online group discussions will be moderated, and participants will be asked to respect the privacy of others.
However, complete confidentiality in group discussions cannot be guaranteed.
9. Use and Storage of Data
The data collected may be used for:
evaluation reports to the project funder
internal program evaluation and improvement
Research data will be:
stored securely in password-protected systems
retained only for the duration required to meet reporting obligations
destroyed once reporting for the grant has been completed
10. Further Information and Contacts
If you have questions about the study or your participation, please contact:
Project Contact:
Name: Ash
Organisation: Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation
Email: admin@abf.org.au