I understand that this study involves research that will be conducted by Christy Sherman, MA, doctoral student at Alliant International University, Los Angeles and supervised by Dr. Paula Johnson, Ph.D., professor in the above mentioned program. I understand that this project is designed to study aspects of being an adult adoptee from an adoption experience that was considered open. I have been asked to participate because I am 18 years or older and because I was adopted in an open adoption arrangement from age 0 to 36 months and was raised in the United States. Open adoptions refer to arrangements where I have or have had contact with my biological relatives or my parents have or have had contact with my biological relatives. This contact could be in the past or currently and could be direct or through a 3rd party like the adoption agency. I understand that my participation in this study will involve the completion of 4 instruments designed to measure how I relate to others in close relationships and how I relate to my adoptive and birth families. I am aware that my involvement in this study will take approximately 20 – 30 minutes of my time.

I understand that I may refuse to participate or withdraw from this study before submission of the final set of responses to be collected in this study without any penalty or loss of services that I am entitled to. I understand that the questionnaire is anonymous and my identity will be kept in strict confidence and that no identifying information will be released without my written consent. I understand that if I do not wish to participate in this study, I can exit by clicking “Exit This Survey” link or by closing my browser window. I have been informed that all individual data collected about me for the purpose of this study will be destroyed by Christy Sherman, within five years of the date of participation in this survey.

Although I may not benefit directly from this study, my participation may further the understanding of the experiences of open adoption and relationships with others.

I have been informed that if my participation in this study may make me feel uncomfortable, Christy Sherman, the principle investigator of this study, or her supervisor will be available to discuss my questions, thoughts, feelings, or concerns with me and if an appropriate referral for psychological help is necessary at the contacts below. I have been informed that psychological help will be provided at my expense and may be available from therapist finders lists located at www.apa.org or www.aamft.org.

I understand that if I have any questions about this project or my participation in the study, I may contact Christy Sherman, PO Box 2140, Fallbrook, CA 92088, csherman@alliant.edu or her supervisor Dr. Paula Johnson, Ph.D. at 1000 South Freemont Avenue, Unit 5, Alhambra, CA 91803, pjohnson@alliant.edu. I understand that I may also request a summary of the results or additional information about this study from Christy Sherman at the above listed contact.