Hello, We are collecting data for a study on Y2K anxiety. Specifically, we are interested in people's reactions and attitudes towards Y2K. If you would like to help us out and learn something about the psychology of Y2K, please fill out our short questionnaire. You will contribute to the historical record of people's thoughts before this event. The questionnaire can be found at http://www.victoriapoint.com/catalyst.htm OR http://www.victoriapoint.com/YRQ.htm

Thank you very muchm Richard A. Davis, M.A. Department of Psychology, York University

-- Richard A. Davis (davisr@yorku.ca), December 15, 1999

Answers

Richard, would you please return after the rollover and let us know the results of your study? Thanks!

-- formerly (formerly@nowhere.zzz), December 15, 1999.

Answer the questionnaire ? You gotta be kidding mister. Tell us if you are nuts so we don't have to grill it out of you later ? Hehehehe...

-- Lalaland (dumd@dumber.not), December 15, 1999.

Heeheeheeheeheheheheheheheh, another Study. Um, maybe the approach is a little late? How about gearing a Study of the mass reaction of unbridled Rage at TPTB for LIES and putting the masses at terrible risk?

Anxiety sounds like some free-floating baseless neurosis.

Tie a man to the tracks when a loco freight train is hurtling toward him, the sound deafening, the tracks vibrating, the heat searing his flesh, the bearing down lights blinding him, and sit back and say "Let's examine this anxiety" and he is likely to tear your throat out :-)

The ABnormal psych is not the anxiety, but the prozacian complacency!

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 15, 1999.

Richard,

Wrong place.

People here don't worry, aren't nervous, can sleep at night, and will not spend a dime on your cheap psychobabble.

We are not scared little bunny-wabbits holding our private fears inside for fear of ridicule and rejection. We are bad. We know that the SWHTF come Jan. 1.

Peddle you babble elsewhere sonny.

Ha, ha, ha, ha

-- Ha Ha (crazy@best.disorg), December 15, 1999.

Oh god, help me, I can not sleep.

The bad people will come to my door and smash at it and I will not be able to get out of my bed and then the food won't be in the refrigerator and there will be water in my tube that will be brown and yuckky.

Where is my bathrobe?

-- I am so scared (bunnywunny@widdlepiddle.com), December 15, 1999.

I hadn't any problem with someone making this request until I caught you plastering this on other posts. I don't know if I qualify as a "regular" but just in case I do, I am placing my request for a delete.

*DELETE*

-- Paula (chowbabe@pacbell.net), December 15, 1999.

Rich,

You are barking up the wrong tree here, you snapping turtle you!

Folks here shoot first and rap later.

Get the heck away, now.

-- The colonel (sargent@therock.org), December 15, 1999.

Went to the site. Read through the questions. There were some tricky ones in there in significant places. Hmmm... Oh, well. Nothing compared to the Meyers-Briggs, though!

-- Liz (lizpavek@hotmail.com), December 15, 1999.

Ain't no stinkin lab rat!

-- up yours (shrink@lalala.academianut), December 15, 1999.

People,

This questionnaire does not appear to meet the Protection of Human Subjects protocols for privacy, which are commonly used and enforced by United States educational and research facilities. The website mentioned above does not contain the statements of privacy guarantees required by the Standards of Human Use. This strongly suggests that the questionnaire was not subjected to peer review for scientific validity. Reply to it at your own risk.

Mr. Davis, you need to do your homework.

Regards,

-- Spindoc' (Spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 15, 1999.

The responses here make me glad I didn't bother looking at the link, way too late for a study of human nature, Oh well. Thanks, and Good Bye, I enjoy you folks too much for words to describe. You've taken the edge off what I recognize as the most signficant of changes in our lifetime. I THANK YOU TREMENDOUSLY FOR THAT!!

-- Michael (michaelteever@buffalo.com), December 15, 1999.

Where the hell is York University? Is that near the University of Weasel Dam?

-- (Polly@troll.com), December 15, 1999.

For those who might be interested, a selection of "scientific" papers by Mr. Davis, along with some other articles for suggested reading at his website:

Anticipated Traumatic Stress Disorder (ATSD): A Model for Y2K Anxiety? Richard A. Davis

Online Y2K Anxiety Questionnaire: How Anxious Are You? Richard A. Davis

Personal Accounts of Y2K Anxiety Richard A. Davis

Shattering Y2K doomsday dreams Sam Vincent Meddis, USA Today

Y2K Reactivity - Psychology of Y2K Andrea Maloney-Schara

Overreaction may be the top problem with Y2K Barnaby J. Feder

The Psychology of Panic (Y2K) Solveig Singleton

Hoping for Hysteria (Y2K) Declan McCullagh

Bankers: Prepared for a Panic? (Y2K) Declan McCullagh

I'm OK and You're OK, But Not Sure About Y2K Lisa Rabasca

The Psychology of Anxiety and the Y2K Issue Paul Salmon

Millennial Fever USA Today

The Y2K Millennium Bug: Hype or Crisis? American Survival Guide

The Real Y2K Bug Paul Saffo

Y2K and U - A Common Sense Approach Bonnie Crandall

Y2K: What You Should Know American Red Cross

Y2K Jitters Head to Main Street USA Today

-- Spindoc' (spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 15, 1999.

1.I believe that something bad will happen on Jan. 1, 2000: 2.I have made safety plans in anticipation of problems associated with Y2K: 3.People don't realize how bad it's going to be: 4.Thoughts and/or images of Y2K catastrophe often go through my head: 5.Thinking about Y2K makes me tense: 6.When I see or hear something associated with Y2K, I feel anxious: 7.I have difficulty falling or staying asleep because of Y2K: 8.People tell me I have been irritable lately: 9.I have difficulty concentrating on tasks because I am thinking about Y2K: 10.I can't stand to think about Y2K: 11.When people talk about Y2K, I either try to change the subject or leave the room: 12.Lately, I haven't engaged in social activities or seen my friends as much as I used to: 13.I am not fearful for my safety on Y2K 14.I get frantic when I talk about Y2K: 15.I dream about Y2K more often than I would like to admit: 16.Things that used to be fun are no longer enjoyable to me: 17.I have not made plans for travel, family, or work after Jan. 1, 2000: 18.I have spent a significant amount of money on preparing for Y2K: 19.I am trying to do as much as I can before New Years, because things will be different after: 20.I have missed school/work more than usual lately: 21.I am scared and feel as though there is nothing I can do about Y2K: 22.I have not bought weapons in anticipation of problems associated with Y2K: 23.I have felt as though TV, Newspaper, or Radio reporters are talking directly to me through their articles about Y2K: 24.I am not worried about Y2K: 25.I am concerned about how things will turn out: The following questions ask you to briefly describe yourself: 26. Identify your age and sex: 27. Please identify your occupation from the following list: 28. Identify your highest level of education: 29. Please identify your religion: 30. On the following scale, where "1" is not at all religious and "7" is very religious, indicate how religious you consider yourself:

Loaded Questions are #'s 2, 11, 13, 17, 22, and 29. Numbers 22 and 29 are the real loaded questions.

-- Billy Boy (Rakkasan101st@aol.com), December 15, 1999.

Billy Boy, every one of those questions are loaded.

Mr. Davis, may we have the email address or phone # of York University's Institutional Review Board Chair (or similar approval body)? I would like to request a copy of the Board's documented review and approval of this questionnaire. It has been approved by your Department of Psychology Chair, has it not? I ask this, since you do not appear to be making the questionnaire request as a private citizen or news organization, but as a representative of York University.

Regards,

Spindoc' (addy available if you ask nicely)

-- Spindoc' (spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 15, 1999.

I love to talk about Y2K and yes, I'm worried. However, my last novel, BY REASON OF INSANITY, has a psychiatrist as the protagonist and he says the problem is not a mood disorder, but situational anxiety due to the coming decline of civilization. I like having my own psyciatrist to consult with at all times.

By the way, Richard, I honestly don't think you've approached the appropriate audience here.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 15, 1999.

For all those who have replied to my initial request for participants: I am a PhD candidate in the department of psychology at York University in Toronto, Canada. York University is one of the largest universities in Canada, with a large psychology department. We have previously collected data in this area from the undergraduate student population, however we are interested in increasing the sample size (and that is why I posted on your board). I assure you, the intent of this research is entirely scientific. It has been reviewed by faculty members of the university for its scientific validity and ethical considerations. It meets all of the requirements of the American Psychological Association (APA) and Canadian Psychological Association's (CPA) standards for research with human subjects. In terms of reporting the results, I intend on posting the results on my website, Catalyst (http://www.victoriapoint.com/catalyst.htm), when the study has been completed and the results tabulated. I intend on submitting our research for the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society in Miami, Florida in June. Also, our study was recently cited in Toronto's Globe and Mail (in the Science and Nature section), and can be viewed at http://www.victoriapoint.com/Globe_Y2K.htm Also, be sure to read the debriefing form at http://www.victoriapoint.com/debriefing_form.htm

I sincerely thank those of you who filled out the questionnaire, and encourage you to e-mail me if you have any further questions about our study.

Richard A. Davis, M.A. Department of Psychology, York University

-- Richard A. Davis (davisr@yorku.ca), December 16, 1999.

Mr. Davis, please take our short survey. Evaluate the following based upon whether you strongly disagree, disagree, agree or strongly agree.

1. If I psychologize Y2k, I will be better able to cope with my anxiety.

2. I like to intellectualize scary topics. It helps me deal with the unknown.

3. I feel more secure when I can put labels on people.

4. I am more comfortable doing statistics than doing manual labor.

5. I believe everything that the PM and other authority figures tell me.

6. I like to go along with the mainstream. Thinking for myself makes me uncomfortable.

7. Deductive exercises hurt my brain.

8. I am more at ease with numbers than with Spam and beans.

9. It is possible to publish AND perish.

-- (median@mode.com), December 16, 1999.

Screamin,

Don't post when you're breathing, OK?

-- Wilfabrooke (take@deepbreath.now), December 16, 1999.

[snip]

DEBRIEFING FORM

Thank you very much for participating in this study. Your responses will help us understand the reactions people are having to the Y2K event, and further understand the nature of anticipated stress.

Y2K has received increased attention by the popular media recently, which has affected peoples awareness of Y2K. In response to such media attention and the uncertainty of the event itself, several clinical psychologists have reported anecdotal evidence of Y2K anxiety. Some symptoms have been linked to post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including loss of sleep, difficulty concentrating, and intrusive thoughts about Y2K. Other reports highlight people spending a lot of money in preparation for Y2K and a general sense of the world coming to an end. A further complication involves the religious implications of the end of the millennium. Highly religious people have been anticipating the end of the millennium as apocalyptic. While clinical accounts of Y2K anxiety were unavailable in the literature, we set out to conceptualize reactivity to the Y2K event, study the symptoms of Y2K anxiety, and investigate individual differences associated with Y2K reactivity.

In addition to the investigation of Y2K anxiety, this study will help us understand anticipated stress and anxiety. Although we know that people become very anxious in anticipation of certain events, few studies have actually measured the characteristics of that anxiety, and quantified anxiety towards future stressful events.

Therefore, this study serves as a psycho-historical record of the reaction to the Y2K event, and attempts to establish Y2K anxiety as an illustration of anticipated traumatic stress.

Once again, we really appreciate your participation in this study. Please feel free to contact the person listed below for any questions you might have regarding this study.

Contact: Richard A. Davis, M.A., Rm. 159 Central Square, York University; davisr@yorku.ca; (416) 736-5290. davisr@yorku.ca

[unsnip]

Mr. Davis,

Again, I note no provision for assurances of privacy in your debrief statement. As a longtime member of the APA, I regard this a violation of APA standards. Again, I request documentation (in open forum) for York University review and approval of this questionnaire.

-- Spindoc' (spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 16, 1999.

Spin, LOL. I don't think Davis has done anything wrong, but it seems you are in copyright violation for cutting and pasting from his website!

-- PREpared (Herecomes@Y2K.com), December 16, 1999.

PREpared (Herecomes@Y2K.com),

Sorry, no, it doesn't apply to open questionnaires. He's asking MY permission for information about ME (and you). If he has indeed submitted this questionnaire for review, then the informed consent is open to all. And the debrief is a required part of the questionnaire. If you don't believe, call his Dept. of Psych.

BTW, Mr. Davis, I note that the submission deadline for APS in Miami (June) is January 14. You're going to have a busy next 4 weeks, collating all this data before then! Perhaps I will be able to catch your talk in Miami.

-- Spindoc' (spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 16, 1999.

Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, but who cares? Funding for studies involving projects, like this, are going to dry up faster that any other "special interest projects" will. Won't be long now........

-- Michael (michaelteever@buffalo.com), December 16, 1999.

Michael Teever, we eMailed you, but that addy didn't work for us. eMail us so we can send it to you.

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), December 16, 1999.

Richard Davis,

It is really something else the way these folks have treated you. I have been here only a short time compared to others and have noticed a "pack" or "turf" mentality.

The majority of these folks are most likely very good and decent people however I also believe some are actually pretty mean and vicious in nature. A few may be dangerous to themselves and society.

IMHO I don't think most of these folks are frightened or fearful of Y2K. For many of us, Y2K has become a literal part of our lives. To a certain extent, it is addictive. I don't know how to do searches on this board but if you do, search for 12 step. In the past, I have seen a few poke fun, either at each other or themselves, needing a Y2K 12 Step program once this deal is over and life returns to normal. I know it will be something that I will have to "withdraw" from.

To me it's not a fearful thing but a grand drama on the highest level. Just today Mr. Koskinen said, "It's not a stretch to say that Y2K is the greatest management challenge the world has faced in 50 years." That would not be a stretch at all. I don't think it would be much of a stretch to say that Y2K is THE greatest challenge the world has EVER faced. It must at least be in the top 5 stories of the past 2000 years.

Senator Bennett said in a speech about a year and half ago (summer 1998 I think) that if Y2K was today it would be TEOTWAWKI. I don't believe you would find to many experts that would have disagreed.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES THAT IT HAD TO BE THIS CLOSE! NONE.

The world is facing big problems. For some, I believe that it will be on a catastrophic scale. Death. Had the course not changed in the last couple of years, it would be all over but the crying for millions more. And that Mr. Davis is the plain truth.

Y2K is extreme drama in action. We on TimeBomb2000 did not create the story, but all of us are a part of the script.

We are just observing how this gets played out while providing and receiving, for the most part, very good information.

I for one answered your survey and I hope you get some good results from folks on the board here.

For your next project, you might study how the media manipulates the masses. You might find it very interestng.

-- the Virginian (1@1.com), December 16, 1999.

"Maybe I'm just in a bad mood, but who cares? Funding for studies involving projects, like this, are going to dry up faster that any other "special interest projects" will. Won't be long now........"

Michael, perhaps you're right. My concern is for the ethics of privacy in how such information is used. In the coming months, that question could become very important indeed. The science is always open for debate. Just my opinion, as another research psychologist.

ONCE AGAIN, WHERE is the statement of assurance of privacy? Do you believe (trust) that the information about YOU as a respondant will be kept confidential? If you respond electronically, are you sure that you are anonymous?

-- Spindoc' (spindoc_99_2000@no.way), December 16, 1999.