CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN A RESEARCH STUDY

Women’s Strengths and Stressors [Social Media]



Jacob Marszalek, PhD (Principal Investigator)

Morgan Grotewiel, MA (Student Investigator)



Request to Participate



You are being asked to take part in a research study. This study is being conducted online and through the University of Missouri-Kansas City.



The researchers in charge of this study are Morgan Grotewiel and Dr. Jacob Marszalek.



Research studies only include people who choose to take part. This document is called a consent form. Please read this consent form carefully, and take your time making your decision. This consent form explains what to expect: possible risks, discomforts, and benefits if you consent to be in the study.



Background



The study team is asking you to take part in this research study because you are identify as a woman age 18 or older. We are recruiting women because we want to understand their attitudes and experiences. You will be one of about 200 women recruited through snowball sampling (through Facebook, Reddit, etc.) for this study and one of about 600 total participants.



Purpose



We’re interested in learning more about individual differences in the strengths and stressors that women experience.



Inclusion Criteria



In order to participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria: a) identify as a woman; b) be between ages 18 and 50; and c) be a U.S. citizen.



Procedures



If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete a single online survey. This survey contains twelve short- to medium-length questionnaires. It should take approximately 45 minutes for you to complete. You may complete this survey online, on any computer at any time before the study closes (once 200 participants are recruited through snowball sampling, probably by April 2015), but you must complete it in one sitting. You cannot save your responses and return to it later. You will only be involved in the study for the time it takes you to complete the survey.



Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Even if you do agree to participate, you have the option to not answer certain survey questions. If you wish to withdraw from this study while taking the online survey, please close the survey window; your responses will only be collected if you complete the survey. Please note that in order to enter the raffle, you must complete the entire survey.



Risks and Inconveniences



The risks of taking part in this research study are not expected to be more than the risks in your daily life. Thinking about your strengths and stressors may create some psychological distress. If you experience difficulty with regard to the study items, you may choose not to answer certain questions, take a break, or choose not to finish the study. If problems persist, please contact the student investigator, Morgan Grotewiel, at mmghfb@mail.umkc.edu, and/or follow the links at the end of the survey for mental health resources.



Benefits



You may gain insight into your own strengths and stressors by answering the questions in the online survey. In addition, other people may benefit in the future from the information about women’s strengths and stressors that comes from this study.



Fees and Expenses



There are no fees or expenses to you for participating in this study.