About the Study
Welcome, and thank you for registering to take part in this evaluation. This page contains all the information you need for your participation, please read it carefully and keep it somewhere accessible throughout the study.
Scan this QR code with your phone camera or WhatsApp to join the group.
This study investigates the effects of the Orpheus app on mental wellbeing and psychological outcomes. Your participation contributes to a peer-reviewed evaluation being conducted in partnership with Edge Hill University.
The study involves using the Orpheus app over a 12-week period and completing four short questionnaires at set points during that time. All data is handled in line with UK GDPR and Edge Hill University's research ethics requirements.
REMEMBER: there is a video with full instructions on how to use the Orpheus app, in the Unwanted Emotions module. Please watch this before using it for the first time.
Who should not participate
For safety reasons, this study is not suitable for people who have any of the following:
- ✗ Severe sensory processing difficulties (e.g. sensory issues associated with autism spectrum conditions)
- ✗ A diagnosed or suspected mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, or a neurological condition, such as epilepsy
- ✗ Current or recent suicidal thoughts or ideation
If any of these apply to you, please contact the study team immediately (see Contact section below) before continuing.
Your Tasks During the Study
Your participation involves two main activities: using the Orpheus app whenever you start to feel an unwanted emotion, and completing your questionnaires at each of the four time points.
Completing each questionnaire should take approximately 5–10 minutes.
Completing Your Questionnaires
Why this matters so much
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✓Baseline data is essential The questionnaires measure change over time. We need your data at every time point to see whether anything has shifted, including for the better. Responses that show no change are just as scientifically valuable as those that do.
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✓Feeling fine is a valid and important result If you feel no different, that is data. It is not a reason to skip the questionnaire. In fact, it's exactly what we need to record. "No change" is a finding.
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✓The study needs a minimum number of complete datasets To get the best outcome, we need all 50 participants to complete all 4 questionnaires and use the app as much as they need. Missing data from participants will make the results of the evaluation statistically less meaningful.
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✓Incomplete data cannot be used We know time is precious but completing all questionnaires is really important to the outcome of this study. And, to thank you for your time commitment, we will add £10, or the equivalent in your local currency if you are outside the UK, to your Amazon voucher for every questionnaire you complete.
Your four questionnaire time points
There are four short questionnaires in total: one at baseline, then one every four weeks. You will be prompted by email at each point.
Before first listen
Email reminder
Email reminder
Final, email reminder
Accessing the Orpheus App
Once you've completed your baseline questionnaire, you're ready to start using the Orpheus app. Here's how to get set up.
- 1Open any browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and go to app.orpheusmindtechnologies.com. The Orpheus app lives right in your browser, there's no app store download needed.
- 2Add Orpheus to your home screen (recommended), so you can open it with a single tap, just like any other app.
On iPhone or iPad (Safari): open Safari and go to app.orpheusmindtechnologies.com, tap the Share button, then "Add to Home Screen," then "Add."
On Android (Chrome): open Chrome and go to app.orpheusmindtechnologies.com, tap the three-dot menu, then "Add to Home screen," then "Add." - 3Log in using the login details sent to you in your welcome email. Your account is already set up for you, so please do not sign up again.
- 4Head to the Unwanted Emotions module, watch the short instructional video, then listen to the audio track and follow along. As soon as you're done, complete your questionnaire again straight away.
- 5After that, use the app as often or as little as you need to help dial down unwanted emotions, think of it a bit like an inhaler for asthma.
If You Are in a Mental Health Crisis
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999
If you believe your life or someone else's life is at risk right now, call 999 immediately. This includes feeling unable to keep yourself safe, or being in a situation of immediate danger. You can also go directly to your nearest hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) department at any time, you do not need an appointment.
Your local A&E / Emergency Department
If you are in crisis and feel unsafe, you can attend any NHS Accident & Emergency department. Tell the reception team that you are experiencing a mental health crisis and you will be assessed by a clinical team. You do not need a referral or appointment. A&E departments are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crisis helplines & support services
USA & Canada
Outside the UK, USA, or Canada
Withdrawing from the Study
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You are free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason. Withdrawal will not affect your access to Orpheus resources or result in any negative consequence.
If you decide to withdraw:
- 1Email the study team (see contact details below) to let us know.
- 2You may request that any data you have provided up to that point is deleted, this is your right under UK GDPR.
- 3Please note that if you withdraw after some but not all questionnaires are completed, we may not be able to include your data in the analysis, and the completion voucher would not apply.
Contact the Study Team
If you have any questions about the study, your participation, or wish to withdraw, please contact a member of the study team:
Edge Hill University will obtain ethical approvals for the evaluation. All data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Hospital Emergency department.