TITLE OF THE STUDY
Character Strengths in Relation to Well-Being in Gay Men and Lesbian Women

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR
Deborah Miller
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
Phone: 765-716-0767
Email: djmiller2@bsu.edu

FACULTY SPONSOR
Jeong Han Kim, Ph.D., CRC
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services
Phone: 765-285-8042
Email: jhkim@bsu.edu

DESCRIPTION OF THE RESEARCH
You are invited to participate in a research project to investigate some factors that may influence well-being for gay men and lesbian women.

This study will include gay or lesbian individuals between the ages of 18 - 30 who are currently enrolled in at least one university course (undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral). If you meet these criteria, we are interested in the information and perspectives that you might be able to provide through your responses to the following survey.

Your participation in this study is completely VOLUNTARY. You can choose for yourself whether you want to participate and your decision will not affect any benefits or services from IU’s GLBT Student Support Services Office or Ball State University’s Spectrum/Continuum group or other sources. In fact, since you will not be providing your name, no one will know whether or not you have decided to participate.

If you decide to participate, you will be asked to respond to the items in the following survey, including some information about you along with questions.

There are 103 items included in the survey, and we anticipate that it will take approximately 15 - 20 minutes of your time to complete.

Some of the questions that are asked may touch on sensitive topics. However, you can skip any questions that you do not want to answer.

Counseling services are available to Ball State students through the Counseling Center at Ball State University (765-285-1376) if you develop uncomfortable feelings during your participation in this research project. You will be responsible for the costs of any care that is provided [note: Ball State students may have some or all of these services provided to them at no cost].

Counseling services for Indiana University-Bloomington students can be obtained from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (812-855-5711) if you develop uncomfortable feelings during your participation in this research project. You will be responsible for the costs of any care that is provided.

It is understood that in the unlikely event that treatment is necessary as a result of your participation in this research project that Ball State University, its agents and employees will assume whatever responsibility is required by law.

ARE THERE ANY BENEFITS TO ME?
There will be no direct benefit to you if you decide to participate. However, the information that you and others provide could be helpful in better understanding well-being and character strengths, possibly leading to ways to help gay and lesbian individuals thrive.

HOW WILL MY CONFIDENTIALITY BE PROTECTED?
This study is anonymous. Neither your name nor other identifying information will be obtained. If you do, your online responses will be completely anonymous and confidential. No tracking information will be collected. Because the survey Internet servers are not encrypted, there is a slight chance that data could be observed by a third party. Once collected, all data will be stored in a secure place. Only the researchers will have access to the data.

WHOM SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS
You may ask questions about the research at any time by contacting Deborah Miller at the phone number or email address given above.

For questions about your rights as a research subject, please contact Research Compliance, Sponsored Programs Office, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, (765) 285-5070, irb@bsu.edu.