INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this form is to give you information that may affect your decision whether to say YES or NO to participate in this research, and to record the consent of those who say YES. The project is titled “The Lived Experience of Marital Sex: Women's Perspectives."

By participating, you will be contributing to meaningful insights that can improve awareness, resources, and future care for women. Your voice matters, and your voluntary participation can make a real difference.

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH STUDY
There is a lack of research regarding the sexual experiences of married women across the lifespan which has resulted in women lacking necessary resources to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences with their spouse. We believe that every woman’s voice is important and that as women share their experiences, they can learn from one another and experience the fulfilling relationship that they deserve.

If you decide to participate, you will complete a survey that helps us increase our understanding of variables that positively or negatively impact a woman’s experience of sexual intimacy in marriage. Your participation will last for approximately 20-minutes.

EXCLUSIONARY CRITERIA
To participate you should be a married woman who engages in some type of sexual experience with her husband OR who desires to and who is at least 18.

RISKS AND BENEFITS
RISKS: If you decide to participate in this study, then you may face a risk of emotional discomfort when answering questions related to your thoughts or feelings about your married sexual experiences. If you become distressed and feel the need to talk to a professional, referrals can be offered for counseling services. As with any research, there is some possibility that you may be subject to risks that have not yet been identified.

BENEFITS: Your main benefit for participation is the opportunity to contribute to an under-researched topic within psychology, which will hopefully pave the way for increased quality of care for all sexually active women.

COSTS AND PAYMENTS
The researchers want your decision about participating in this study to be absolutely voluntary. They recognize that your participation may pose some inconvenience due to the commitment of time, however, are unable to provide any compensation to offset this inconvenience.

NEW INFORMATION
If the researchers find new information during this study that would reasonably change your decision about participating, they will give it to you.

CONFIDENTIALITY
All information obtained about you in this study is strictly confidential unless disclosure is required by law. The results of this study may be used in reports, presentations and publications, but the researchers will not identify you.

WITHDRAWAL PRIVILEGE
It is OK for you to say NO. Even if you say YES now, you are free to say NO later and walk away or withdraw from the study at any time.

FUTURE RESEARCH
The researchers may use the data collected through this survey in future research without further informed consent.
COMPENSATION FOR ILLNESS AND INJURY
If you say YES, then your consent in this document does not waive any of your legal rights. However, in the event of harm arising from this study, neither Regent University nor the researchers are able to give you any money, insurance coverage, free medical care, or any other compensation for such injury. In the event that you suffer injury as a result of participation in this research project, you may contact Dr. McCleese at 757.352.4106 or jesshat@regent.edu or the current IRB chair at Regent University at irb@regent.edu, who will be glad to review the matter with you.

VOLUNTARY CONSENT
By indicating YES, you are saying that you have read this form or have had it read to you, and that you understand this form, the research study, and its risks and benefits. The researchers should have answered any questions you may have had about the research. If you have any questions later on, then the researchers should be able to answer them:

Principal Investigator:
Jessica McCleese, PsyD
jesshat@regent.edu

If at any time you feel pressured to participate, or if you have any questions about your rights or this form, then you should contact the current IRB chair, at irb@regent.edu or 757-352-5010.

And importantly, by clicking yes below, you are telling the researchers YES, that you agree to participate in this study.

Question Title

* 1. I agree to participate

T