Study Title: The Implications of Writing Exercises
Protocol Number Title: HSR-22-23-157
Researchers: Adina Corke, Dr. David Gerkens, Dr. Kristen Beals, and Dr. Barbara Cherry

You are being asked to participate in a research study by Adina Corke under the direct supervision of Dr. Gerkens and further supervision from Dr. Beals and Dr. Cherry. 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 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 take part in the study. 

What is this study about?
This research study aims to identify the effect of writing on various measures, such as mindfulness and gratitude, among people who may have a marginalized identity. You are being asked to participate in this study because you may have a marginalized identity. You cannot take part in this study if you are under 18 years of age.

Taking part in the study will take about 30-45 minutes.

What will I be asked to do if I am in this study?
If you take part in the research study, you will be asked to complete a survey. The survey looks as follows:
  • It begins with a series of demographic questions.
  • Then, you will be asked to respond to a writing prompt.
  • Following the writing prompt, you will be asked to rate a series of statements regarding how you feel about your identity, mindfulness, gratitude, your emotional state, academic stress if applicable, and empathy.
  • Amidst these statements, you will briefly be asked about your education.

This survey should take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. The writing prompt can take anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes, dependent on how much time you feel is needed to respond to the writing prompt adequately. None of the items are required for completion of the survey.

Results from this survey will be reported in a thesis defense open to those interested.

Are there any benefits to me if I am in this study?
There is no direct benefit to you from being in this study. If you take part in this study, you may help others in the future.

Are there any risks to me if I am in this study?
There are no foreseeable physical risks. The potential risks from taking part in the study are psychological distress or discomfort when responding to the writing prompt. Steps have been taken throughout the survey to minimize this risk as much as possible. The length of the survey helps mitigate these possible risks. The final page of the survey displays a photo to encourage smiling, which has been shown to improve mood in previous studies. Any question may also be skipped if it is too distressing for participants to respond. If discomfort is felt, it should dissipate within a few hours at most following responding to the writing prompt. Resources can also be provided if more support is needed.

Will my information be kept anonymous or confidential?
The data for this study will be kept anonymous. Neither the researchers nor anyone else will be able to link data to you.
  • Private conversations between participants and researchers will be kept on a password-protected computer, and data cannot be linked to you.
  • Data will be kept in 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 a minimum of 3 years after the completion of the study as required by CSUF. Individuals may keep the data indefinitely. However, data will only be used for further educational use, presentations, and publications. The results of this study may be published or presented at professional meetings, but the identities of all research participants will remain anonymous.

Are there any costs or payments for being in this study?
  • There will be no cost to you for taking part in this study.
  • You will not receive money or any other compensation for participating in this study.

Whom can I contact if I have questions?
If you have questions about this study or the information in this form, please contact the primary investigator/primary contact researcher Adina Corke at acorkadin@csu.fullerton.edu or (714) 904-8578. 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. You will not be penalized if you choose not to participate. You may choose not to answer specific questions or to stop participating at any time. 

What does my signature on this form mean?
Your signature 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 concern.
  • You believe you understand the research study and the potential benefits and risks that are involved.
Informed Consent Document
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By clicking below, I agree that I am at least 18 years of age and agree to participate in this project. You may print this page for your records.