Study Title: Felt Love: Love Languages
Protocol Number: HSR-21-22-157
Researchers: Julien Rouvere, Psychology Department, CSUF; Maria Guzman, Psychology Department, CSUF; Zachary Cabayan, Psychology Department, CSUF; Sarah Fabian, Psychology Department, CSUF 
 
You are being asked to take part in a research study carried out by Julien Rouvere, a graduate student at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Maria Guzman, an undergraduate student at CSUF, Zachary Cabayan, an undergraduate student at CSUF, and Sarah Fabian, a CSUF alumnus, under the advisement of Dr. Jessica Tessler. This consent form explains the research study and your part in it if you decide to join.  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 to not take part in the study. 
 
What is this study about?
 
This research study is being conducted to better understand Gary Chapman’s Love Language (LL) theory and to explore the relationships between demographic characteristics (e.g., gender and sexual orientation) and relationship styles (monogamous and consensually non-monogamous) and love language preference.
 
You are being asked to take part because you are over 18 years of age. Taking part in the study will take about 20-30 minutes. You cannot take part in this study if you are under the age of 18 years old.

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 20-30 minutes to complete. The questionnaire will first ask you a set of demographic questions related to aspects of your identity such as race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status and more. The following set of questions will determine your preferred love language, relationship satisfaction, and religious and cultural identity characteristics. At the end, you can provide your e-mail address if you wish to receive a copy of the final report.
 
This study is confidential and your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to take the questionnaire, to stop responding at any point, or to skip any questions that make you uncomfortable. Your completion of the survey serves as your voluntary agreement to participate in this research project and your certification that you are 18 years old or older.
 
Questions regarding the purpose or procedures of the research should be directed to 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-21-22-157.
 
Are there any benefits to me if I am in this study?
 
There are no direct benefits for participants in this study. However, if you take part in this study, you will help in contributing to the literature and knowledge on Gary Chapman’s Love Languages, which can inform clinical practices related to relationship satisfaction. Some participants value having the transcript of their interview to keep for future reference, and we hope that some will find useful information in the final report. Indirect benefits may include feelings of pride and altruism through participation.
 
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 in romantic/sexual relationships, religion, and culture. 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 collected. 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 questionnaire. The investigators (Julien Rouvere, Maria Guzman, Zachary Cabayan, Sarah Fabian) and Dr. Jessica Tessler will have access to the data during and after the study. 
 
The results of this study may be published or presented at professional conferences, 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. You will not receive money or any other form of compensation 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 researcher Julien Rouvere at rouvere@csu.fullerton.edu. 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 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.
 
Statement of Consent 

I have carefully read and understand this consent form. By clicking "I wish to continue," I am verifying that: 
I am at least 18 years of age and agree to participate in this project. I am giving permission to record audio of my responses should I choose to be interviewed.