Early Life Experiences and Adult Relationships*

Informed Consent

You are being asked to participate in a research study. The section below highlights key information about this research for you to consider when deciding whether or not you want to participate. Carefully consider this information and be advised that you have the right to ask questions about any aspect of the study you do not understand before you decide whether to participate.

KEY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS STUDY

Consent. You are being asked to participate in a research study. It is your decision whether or not to participate. This consent form will give you the information you will need to understand why this study is being done and why you are being invited to participate. There will be no penalty if you wish to discontinue participation. Consent to participate is voluntary.
What is the purpose of this study? We are conducting this study to better understand how early caregiver experiences are associated with emotional processing and how individuals respond to interpersonal challenges in adulthood.
Where will the study take place, and how long will it last? The study will take place via an online survey. The survey should take approximately 20-25 minutes to complete.
What will I be asked to do? After confirming that you have read and understood this consent form, you will be taken to the survey. The survey consists of approximately 130–140 questions, including items about childhood experiences, emotional responses, interpersonal interactions, and demographic information. Some questions may involve reflecting on past experiences or current emotional patterns that may be difficult to think about.
What are the risks if I participate in this research? Participation in the study may involve mild psychological discomfort due to reflection on childhood experiences and interpersonal conflict. Some questions may feel very personal or emotionally uncomfortable. While unlikely, reflecting on past experiences may cause temporary emotional distress. As a reminder, you may skip any questions that cause discomfort, and you are encouraged to take breaks as needed. There is also no penalty for withdrawing participation.
What are the benefits associated with participation in this research? You may not directly benefit from this research; however, we hope that your participation in the study may increase self-reflection or awareness of your emotional experiences and interpersonal patterns. Your participation may contribute to the development of improved tools for understanding emotional and relational experiences.
How will my privacy and data confidentiality be protected? No personally identifiable information (PII, e.g., names, addresses, or contact information) will be collected as part of this study. Responses will be collected anonymously, meaning that the research team will not be able to link responses to individual participants.
- Survey response data will be collected using a secure online platform (SurveyMonkey) and stored on a password-protected server maintained by the researcher. Only the research team will have access to the data. Results will be reported in aggregate form, and no individual responses will be identifiable in any publications or presentations.
- For participants recruited through CloudResearch, compensation is managed through the platform and is not linked to survey responses.
Will I receive payment for taking part in this study? If you were recruited through CloudResearch, you will receive monetary compensation consistent with the platform guidelines for your time. If you were recruited through social media, you will not receive compensation.
What if I want to stop participating in this research? Taking part in this research study is your decision. You do not have to take part in this study, but if you do, you can stop at any time. You have the right to choose not to participate in any study activity or completely withdraw from continued participation at any point in this study without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

Who can answer my questions about this research? If you have questions or concerns about this study, contact the research team at:

Principal Investigator: Dr. Bonita Cade at bcade@rwu.edu

Co-Investigator: Emma Guzman, LMHC at eguzman.research@gmail.com

The Roger Williams University Human Subjects Review Board (“HSRB”) is overseeing this research. An HSRB is a group of individuals who perform an independent review of research studies to ensure that the rights and welfare of participants are protected. If you have questions about your rights or wish to speak with someone other than the research team, you may contact:

Selby Conrad, Ph. D.

Director, Human Subjects Review Board

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI 02809

401 254-5738

hsrb@rwu.edu

Question Title

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STATEMENT OF CONSENT

I have had the opportunity to read and consider the information in this form. By clicking “I agree” below, I am indicating that I am at least 18 years old, have read and understood this consent form, and agree to participate in this research study voluntarily. I understand that I can withdraw from the study at any time, without any penalty or consequences.

If I have any questions or would like a copy of this consent letter, I can contact either the Principal Investigator, Dr. Bonita Cade at bcade@rwu.edu, or the Co-Investigator, Emma Guzman, LMHC at eguzman.research@gmail.com

Yes