As a PsyD student at California Southern. I invite you to participate in a research project currently titled "Re-evaluating Self-Love through a Buddhist Lens". This grounded theory study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB 2295780-1) and adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The purpose of this study is to examine how mental health and wellness practitioners with knowledge of Buddhist concepts interpret and understand self-love.

Participant selection is for those who identify as mind, body, and soul practitioners with knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and/or contemplative psychotherapy in Canada and the United States. The aim is to elicit insight about how you experience self-love personally and with clients or patients. In addition to meeting the criteria listed, you are required to sign an informed consent document. The Informed Consent will be sent as a separate document that you can digitally sign should you agree to participate.

You are eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:

• You are 18 years and older;
• You are a Buddhist practitioner, teacher, or graduate of contemplative studies; or
• You are a contemplative wellness provider with knowledge of Buddhism; 
• At least 3 years of experience as a teacher, practitioner, or a combination of both; and
• Familiar with the Do No Harm principle
  
  

If you are interested in participating in this study and meet the eligibility requirements, please contact me at tiffany.caicco@my.calsouthern.edu.

As a volunteer participant, please note that you must be available for approximately 60 minutes for a semi-structured interview. Interview questions are provided in advance so you can prepare and reflect on the meeting. Please note that the interviews will take place between March and April 2025. The interviews will be conducted through Zoom or telephone. All measures to ensure confidentiality are in place; however, please note that there are risks involved with any type of online interaction. With the participant's permission, a second interview may be requested to ensure the accuracy of the interpretation. Video recording is preferred, but it is optional. However, participants must be willing to be audio recorded.

The interviews are recorded using password protection technology. All interview transcriptions are secured on a password-protected laptop and file. For confidentiality, the participants' data is linked with a fictitious name to be used in recordings, transcriptions, analysis, and the final doctoral project in accordance with HIPAA.

It is your right to decline or withdraw participation at any time throughout the process. To withdraw from the study, please send a request to tiffany.caicco@my.calsouthern.edu.

Should you cancel your participation, please note that all related information gathered from you is destroyed. To further ensure your confidentiality, any information linking to your involvement is destroyed upon completion of the study. Please note that you can no longer withdraw your participation once the data is destroyed, and the analysis is complete.  

While there is no known risk of participating in this study, some participants may experience discomfort when relaying personal and professional insight. In this instance, you are encouraged to contact a local counseling service, a clinical supervisor, or peer support. The purpose of this study is not to assess your counseling or caring skills or expertise in Buddhism. Your unique style, insight, and lived experiences are appreciated.

The potential benefits of participation include contributing to the study of self-love in psychology, engaging in a reflective practice that can benefit both you and your clients, and being aware of self-love and Buddhism.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

• Dr. Annie Jacobs, Tiffany Caicco’s doctoral project Chair, by email at: annie.jacobs@my.calsouthern.edu
• Tiffany Caicco, PsyD Student, by email at tiffany.caicco@my.calsouthern.edu