Carleton University Mindful Awareness and Happiness


We are researchers at Carleton University, studying happiness. We have developed a program of activities to increase awareness of your surroundings, which may also improve happiness.

The study involves filling out some questionnaires about your happiness, personality, and well-being, and then completing some activities. Twice a week, for four weeks, you'll receive an email reminderwith a link to a short mood and time use survey, as well as an activity. We will be asking you about your happiness, personality, attitudes, and activities at the end of the four weeks, and then again several months later.

To participate in this study, you must be 16 years of age or older, and you need to have internet access for approximately 20 minutes at least twice per week (to access the study web site and activities).There are no risks in this study, however we will be asking you to reflect upon and write about some of your experiences and emotions. We anticipate that this will usually be a positive experience, but, depending on the emotions you write about, you may experience some minor, temporary unpleasantness. All of your answers will be kept confidential. Only the researchers will see your responses. The data collected may be used in research publications and/or for teaching purposes, but will not contain any identifying information.


You will receive 2% experimental credits for completing the first phase of the study,which involves completing some surveys and writing exercises twice a week for four weeks.If you withdraw from you the study early, you will receive credit for the proportion of surveys completed (i.e., if you withdraw halfway through the four weeks, you will receive 1% credit). If you also complete the follow up survey, 6 months later, you will be entered in a draw for a $200 (U.S.) cash prize.

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For participating in the study, you can earn up to 10 chances to win a $500 (U.S.)cash prize, as well as one chance to win a $200 (U.S.) cash prize for completing a follow up survey 6 months later. Each time you complete one of the bi-weekly surveys,your name will be entered into the draw for $500 (U.S.), which will take place in August of 2009.The $200 (U.S.) draw will take place in February 2010. If you withdraw early from the study, you will still be eligible for the draw (i.e., you will not lose the chances earned prior to withdrawing).