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Dear Research Participant:



Thank you for your interest in our study. This study is only open to adult (age 18 or older) women who are enrolled in a higher educational degree program (Bachelor degree level or higher, including any health science degrees) OR have a conferred degree (Bachelor level or higher) within the last 5 years. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of the psychological distress experienced by women who are seeking a higher degree, or have successfully received a higher degree, and engaging in educational upward mobility. We would greatly appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this study.



Participation in the project requires that you complete an online survey that takes approximately 15 minutes. To ensure confidentiality, no personally identifying information will be associated with the responses. All analyses will be performed on group data only and confidentiality of data will be maintained within the limits allowed by law. As compensation for your participation and time, you will receive a $1.29 iTunes song download or a $1.29 donation to the charitable organization below (one per participant, up to 100 participants).



Your participation in this research study is completely voluntary and you may withdraw from participation at any time without consequence. As with most research, there are minimal potential risks, such as stress when considering your experience of school or other activities. The University of Memphis does not have any funds budgeted for compensation for injury, damages, or other expenses. If you have any questions about this study, please e-mail the principle investigators: Jessie N. Smith, Doctoral Candidate (jnsmith5@memphis.edu) or Elin Ovrebo, Ph.D., (eoverbo@memphis.edu). If you have additional questions regarding research rights, you may contact the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects at (901) 678-2533 or irb@memphis.edu, who has approved this study.



This study is designed to minimize as much as possible any potential physical, psychological, and social risks to you. Although very unlikely, there are always risks in research, which you are entitled to know in advance of giving your consent, as well as the safeguards to be taken by those who conduct the project to minimize the risks. Those risks include the possibility of dealing with sensitive material in recalling memories of past experiences. If you experience any negative feelings as a result of participating in this study, please do not hesitate to call one of the following national mental health hotline numbers:

National Alliance on Mental Health (Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm EST): 1-800-950-6264

Mental Health America (24 hours a day): 1-800-969-6642



If you agree to participate, please click the button labeled "I agree" and your browser will go to the online survey. If you do not wish to participate, please click the button labeled "I do not wish to participate" or close your browser window. Your agreement to participate indicates you have been informed that your data will remain confidential within limits allowed by law, that you will allow the researchers to include your data in the aggregate dataset, and that you understand you may withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. Thank you again for your time and participation.



Sincerely,

Jessie N. Smith, M.A., Doctoral Candidate

Elin Ovrebo, Ph.D.

The University of Memphis



Donations will be made to:



Girls Learn International Inc. – Girls Learn International (GLI) educates and energizes U.S. students in the global movement for girls’ access to education. Student-to-student, and student-to-parent, GLI is building a movement of informed advocates for universal girls’ education and a new generation of leaders and activists for social change.

