Research Study Consent Form
Study Title: Queer Second Adolescence
Protocol Number: HSR-24-25-246
Researchers: From the Q-lab in the Psychology Department at California State University Fullerton, Dr. Kristin Beals, Prof. Michael Baker, Prof. Amanda Perry, and research assistants.
You are being asked to participate in a research study by Dr. Kristin Beals and their research team, Q-lab. This consent form explains the research study and your part if you decide to join the study. Please read the form carefully, taking as much time as you need. Ask the researcher to explain anything you don’t understand. You can decide not to join the study. If you join the study, you can change your mind later and leave the study at any time. There will be no penalty or loss of services or benefits if you decide not to participate in the study.
What is this study about?
The purpose of this research study is to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals who came out later in life. You are being asked to participate in this study because you are an LGBTQ+ individual who came out later in life, live in the United States and are age 18+. Taking part in this study will take about 20 minutes.
What will I be asked to do if I am in this study?
If you take part in the study, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes to complete. The questionnaire will look as follows:
- First, you will be asked 20 questions about your demographic information.
- Then you will be asked questions relating to your LGBTQ+ identity. This includes items about coming out as LGBTQ+. After, you will be asked to rate your level of agreement with statements relating to your LGBTQ+ identity.
- Following these survey sections, you will be asked how much you agree with statements that are concerned with psychological well-being.
- Then you will be shown nine items regarding social support. Next, you will be asked to report on your mental health over the past two weeks.
- Finally, you will be asked to rate how much you agree with statements regarding religious and spiritual beliefs
You may skip any questions you do not wish to answer.
Responses are collected anonymously. Results will be analyzed by the research team and presented at conferences or for academic journal publications.
Are there any benefits to me if I am in this study?
There is no direct benefit to you from being in this study. However, your participation in the study may help us better understand the experiences of individuals who came out later in life.
Are there any risks to me if I am in this study?
This protocol contains no foreseeable risk.
Will my information be kept anonymous or confidential?
The data for this study are being collected anonymously. Neither the researcher(s) nor anyone else will be able to link data to you. We are not asking for personally identifying information.
Data will be stored in a locked office on a password-protected computer. All researchers and research staff will have access to the data.
The results of this study may be published or presented at professional meetings, but the identities of all research participants will remain anonymous.
The data for this study will be kept for three years. Individuals may keep the data indefinitely. However, the data will be used for educational purposes such as presenting findings at academic conferences or publishing findings in academic journals.
Are there any costs or payments for being in this study?
There will be no costs to you for taking part in this study.
You will not receive money for taking part in this study.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have questions about this study or the information in this form, please contact the research team: csuf.qlab.comingout@gmail.com. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or would like to report a concern or complaint about this study, please contact the Institutional Review Board at (657) 278-7719, or e-mail irb@fullerton.edu.
What are my rights as a research study volunteer?
Your participation in this research study is completely voluntary. You may choose not to be a part of this study. There will be no penalty to you if you choose not to take part. You may choose not to answer specific questions or to stop participating at any time.
What does my agreement on this consent form mean?
Your agreement on this form means that:
- You understand the information given to you in this form
- You have been able to ask the researcher questions and state any concerns
- The researcher has responded to your questions and concerns
- You believe you understand the research study and the potential benefits and risks that are involved.