Study Title: Guilt and Shame in AAPI Subpopulations
Protocol Number: HSR-21-22-97
Researchers: Beatrice Ta, Counseling Department, CSULA, Julien Rouvere, Psychology Department, CSUF

You are being asked to take part in a research study carried out by Beatrice Ta, a graduate student at the California State University, Los Angeles, and Julien Rouvere, a graduate student at California State University, Fullerton, under the advisement of Dr. Adrian Rodriguez. This consent form explains the research study and your part in it if you decide to join the study. Please read the form carefully, taking as much time as you need. Ask the researchers 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 to not take part in the study.

What is this study about?
This research study is being conducted to compare how AAPI subgroups differentially experience guilt and shame through self and culture, investigate how and why these differences affect help-seeking/coping behaviors and self understanding, and understand how intergenerational influences play a role in these factors.

You are being asked to take part because you identify as a member of the AAPI community. Taking part in the first stage of the study will take about 30 minutes. You cannot take part in this study if you are under 18.

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 respond to an online questionnaire which should take approximately 30 minutes. Participants will answer a set of survey questions on experiences of guilt and shame, physical and mental health/well-being, connection with one’s ethnic identity, self-esteem, microaggressions, and values. If you are interested in an interview, you will then be contacted to complete an online interview through Zoom. It is estimated the interview will take between 30 - 45 minutes to complete, but there is no time limit. Interview recordings will be digitally transcribed and audio recorded from the interviews will be downloaded as digital audio files.

This study is confidential. Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to take the survey, to stop responding at any time, or to skip any questions that you do not want to answer. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in this study. Your completion of the survey serves as your voluntary agreement to participate in this research project and your certification that you are 18 or older.

Questions regarding the purpose or procedures of the research should be directed to Beatrice Ta at beatriceta829@gmail.com or Julien Rouvere at rouvere@csu.fullerton.edu. The IRB, a university committee established by Federal law, is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of research participants. If you have concerns or questions about your rights as a research participant, you may contact the IRB at 657-278-7719 or irb@fullerton.edu. The IRB number for this research is HSR-21-22-97.

Are there any benefits to me if I am in this study?
There are no direct benefits for participants in this study. However, if AAPI individuals take part in the study, they may help in contributing to the literature and knowledge of mental health issues in the AAPI community. Some participants value having the transcript for their interview to keep for future reference, and we hope that some will find useful information for the draft report (and copy of the final report) that we will send them. Indirect benefits may include feelings of pride and altruism through participating, as well as a deeper understanding of their own feelings of guilt and shame as it ties to their AAPI identity. Benefits to researchers may include a deeper understanding of the specific needs of AAPI subgroups in mental health professions, as well as contributing to the literature and guiding future research on AAPI mental health. In doing so, mental health researchers and practitioners may learn how to better serve their AAPI patients.

Are there any risks to me if I am in this study?
The potential risks from taking part in this study are psychological distress or discomfort. You will be asked to answer questions related to your experiences of guilt, shame, and microaggressions experienced as a member of the AAPI community. To minimize the potential risk to you, no unnecessary questions pertaining to your mental health or demographics will be assessed.

Will my information be kept anonymous or confidential?
The data for this study will be kept confidential to the extent allowed by law. No published results will identify you, and your name will not be associated with the findings. Under certain circumstances, information that identifies you may be released for internal and external reviews of this project.

Participants will not be asked to write their names or any other identifying information on the demographics questionnaire they complete. Additionally, the participants will be reminded to not reveal specific names of people or places during the interview. If this happens inadvertently, technology does not allow us to erase a segment of the digital audio recording. However, this information will not be transcribed, but instead redacted, and only the digital transcripts will be retained after data analysis. The primary investigators, Beatrice Ta and Julien Rouvere, will have access to the data during the study. After completion of the study, Beatrice Ta, Julien Rouvere, and Dr. Adrian Rodriguez will have access to the data.

Audio data and digital data (transcribed interviews, demographics, and survey data) will remain encrypted and password protected for a minimum of five years on a password protected computer. Audio data is required to be in the study.

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 five years.

Are there any costs or payments for being in this study?
There will be no costs to you 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 researchers Beatrice Ta at beatriceta829@gmail.com or Julien Rouvere at rouvere@csu.fullerton.edu. If you become emotionally triggered as a result of taking this survey, please do one of the following:

If you are a student at Cal State Fullerton, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at (657-278-3040). Here are the numbers for the national suicide prevention lifeline (1-800-274-8255), SHMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), or National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN; 1-800-656-4673) should you need assistance on evening or during weekends.

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 agreeing to this consent form mean?
Clicking "I wish to continue" below 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.

You may print this page for your records.