Women's Life Transition Survey

1. You are invited to participate in a 20 minute research study. The purpose of the study is to look at relationships, life meaning, and wellness for women who are starting Mid-Life. You are invited to participate because you are between the ages of 38 and 47 years old. You are also invited because you speak English and live in Metro Atlanta. We will ask about your work, education, marital status, and parenting status. We will also ask about your relationships, feelings of meaning in life, and wellness. A total of 250 participants will be included in the research study.

Procedures:
If you decide to participate, you will complete a one-time survey on a secure website. You will be asked to answer a series of questions. Your answers to these questions will be recorded on the website database but will remain confidential.

Risks:
It is possible that participating in this study may cause you to become emotionally upset. If you become emotionally upset and want to talk to a mental health professional, please contact the primary researcher, Karin L. Smithson. She can be reached at KarinLSmithson@aol.com or 678-232-8700 for a referral. The primary researcher is from the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University. In cases of referral, you will pay for all related costs.

Benefits:
Participation in this study may not benefit you personally. Overall, we hope to gain information about women and their relationships.

Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal:
Participation in this research is voluntary. You do not have to be in this study. You may refuse to participate at any time without penalty. You may stop or choose to not answer a question.

Confidentiality:
All information you provide will be kept confidential, as permitted by the law. Mrs. Karin Smithson and Dr. Brian Dew will have access to the information you provide. Information may also be shared with those who make sure the study is done correctly (GSU Institutional Review Board and the Office for Human Research Protection (OHRP). The information you provide will be stored on Karin Smithson’s password and firewall protected computer and a locked filing cabinet. You will not be identified personally. The findings will be summarized and reported in group form.

Contact Persons:
Please contact Dr. Brian J. Dew (404-413-8168; bdew@gsu.edu) or Karin L. Smithson (678-232-8700; karinlsmithson@aol.com) if you have questions about this study. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a participant in this research study, you may contact Susan Vogtner in the Office of Research Integrity at 404-413-3513 or svogtner1@gsu.edu.

Copy of Consent Form to Subject:
You may download or print a copy of this consent form to keep. If you are willing to volunteer for this research study, please check the box below.