Veterinary Well-being Survey

Study Title: Protective and Resiliency Factors for Psychological Well-Being in Veterinary Professionals

Principal Investigator: Lori D'Alessandro, LCSW, CCTP, Doctoral Student, Counseling and Psychological Studies, Regent University, loridal@mail.regent.edu

Faculty Advisor: Joseph Torres, PhD, Regent University, joseto1@regent.edu

For questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact: Regent University Institutional Review Board, irb@regent.edu

Introduction
The purpose of this form is to provide information that may affect your decision to participate in this research study and to document your consent if you choose to participate.

You are invited to participate in a research study examining protective and resiliency factors related to psychological well-being among veterinary professionals. You are being asked to participate because you are a licensed veterinarian currently practicing in the United States.

Description of the Research Study
This study seeks to better understand how veterinarians experience professional demands, coping strategies, work–home boundaries, resilience, and identity-related factors, with the goal of identifying strengths and protective factors that support well-being in the profession.

If you decide to participate, you will complete an anonymous online survey. Participation will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Approximately 250-300 licensed U.S. veterinarians are expected to participate.

All procedures are conducted solely for research purposes.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
To participate, you must:

• Be age 21 or older
• Be a licensed veterinarian in the United States
• Have at least one year of post-licensure clinical practice

Risks
This study involves minimal risk. No identifying information will be collected. Some questions may prompt reflection on work stress, coping, identity experiences, or professional well-being, which could cause mild emotional discomfort.

To reduce risk:
You may skip any question. You may stop participation at any time.
Although risks are minimal, there is always a possibility of unforeseen discomfort when participating in research.
If participation causes emotional discomfort, you may contact:
• Not One More Vet (NOMV): https://www.nomv.org
• AVMA Wellbeing Resources: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing

Benefits
You may not receive a direct personal benefit from participating. However, the information gained may contribute to an improved understanding of factors that support resilience and psychological well-being among veterinary professionals and may inform future professional development initiatives and workplace supports.

Costs and Compensation
There is no cost to you other than the time required to complete the survey. There is no financial compensation for participation.

Confidentiality
No identifying information will be collected. Survey responses are anonymous. Confidentiality will be maintained unless disclosure is required by law. De-identified data will be retained for three years following study completion in accordance with university policy and stored on password-protected systems accessible only to the principal investigator and faculty advisor. Results will be reported in aggregate form only, and no individual participant will be identifiable in any reports or publications.

Withdrawal Privilege
Participation is voluntary. You may decline or stop participating at any time by closing the survey window. There are no penalties for