Practical approaches to seeking assent from children

To describe and evaluate two approaches--a storyboard and a wordsearch--that the authors used with children aged four to 12 years to obtain assent.

The assent process is vital in helping children to understand the elements of a research project and to make a choice of whether or not to participate. However, the methods for obtaining assent are not well documented.

Two researchers' thematic reviews of the primary researcher's field notes, taken during a study of eating problems during chemotherapy.

The assent process appeared to be an enjoyable, positive experience for many children. They appeared to understand what participation entailed--that it was voluntary and that they had a choice.

When using child-centred techniques, children are aware of what being in a research study will mean to them.

Researchers can be confident in gaining assent from children as young as five years.