General Thoughts to Share Re: Study participants needed...

[Silly]

Well... I was scheduled to be included in this study on protective factors and resiliency. The interview was set for Friday the 15th at 3pm to 5pm. I received an email confirming everything and a link for Microsoft Teams (similar to a Zoom platform). I'd read the study questions, made notes, and felt myself prepared for this... however at about 2:15pm I received an email with little to no explanation that the interview has been canceled and will be rescheduled for another time.

I replied to the email cancelation stating that I'm no longer interested in being included. I further stated my frustration and disappointment as I had taken the time to prepare for this interview. I also said it reflects poorly with such a flippant cancelation. I signed the email with this: Unapologetically resilient (followed by my name).

A better explanation as to the reason for the cancelation would've been a better choice - this was simply unprofessional as far I'm concerned.

That's my two cents on this (un)experience

 

[CarbonTiger]

...that's shitty. I'm sorry it was canceled. Maybe it was for the best, like the content wasn't* going to be used for actual research purposes. I don't know, I would be upset after putting in my own time and effort too.

 

[Lothar]

Don’t explain don’t complain, is often a good approach. I heard, they needed to cancel the scheduled meeting at last minute - these things happen. They offered to reschedule.

Understanding it may have illicited a sense of invalidation, dismissiveness, lack of integrity so on. The decision was made to remove any further participation - your right of course. And do so while expressing frustration, and other feelings.

While they may not have given an explanation as to why they had to reschedule - a member was sick, unavailable due to extended circumstances, any number of legitimate reasons, not sure if you inquired as to why it was necessary at the last minute to reschedule.

I know the pattern for myself and see my reaction was often based on being reactive to perceived injustices, slight, dismissiveness, and at times actually injustice, slights and dismissiveness. The two are not the same.

It’s unfortunate the scheduled meeting was not able to be held, and equally unfortunate you lost the opportunity to participate as it appears it held value and interest for you. Overall, a loss for many. And in that, it is an unfortunate and overall losing experience for many people.

 

[RecoveringRicky]

Being rescheduled probably isn't a big deal in most cases. Though, not being given a reason is a bit problematic. I think the bigger issue is probably the mental preparedness it takes to get psyched up to deal with / talk about past trauma that needs extra attention on the part of the researcher. For some it might be more akin to having an execution rescheduled than a simple zoom call.

But you're right Lothar, it does trigger that sense of invalidation and dismissiveness we've all experienced. I often find myself fighting against perceived offenses that were never really there. Still, I think the study should have probably accounted for this.

 

[Jack1]

I agree with you @Silly A short explanation for the cancellation was in order. It didn't have to be a long detailed message but some justification for the short notice cancellation/rescheduling was called for.