Study Title: Queer spirituality: Does LGBT-affirming spirituality and religiosity decrease rates of substance abuse and depression in same-sex attracted adults?
Principle Investigator: Adam Stoker, MA
Faculty Advisor: James Garbanati, PhD
Contact Information: Adam Stoker (astoker@alliant.edu)
James Garbanati (jgarbanati@alliant.edu)
Address: 1000 S. Fremont Ave. #5 Alhambra, CA 91803
Introduction:
You are being invited to participate in a research study investigating the connection between spirituality/religion and mental health in same-sex attracted individuals. This consent form has been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board at Alliant International University to ensure that it is conducted in an ethical manner
Background/Purpose:
Research investigating the difference in the effects that LGBT-affirming versus non-affirming religion and spirituality is lacking. Many religions, however, teach that homosexual behavior is sinful which may have an effect on the mental health of same-sex attracted members. There is limited research, however, comparing LGBT-affirming vs. non-affirming religions. The purpose of this study is to compare rates of depression and substance abuse in same-sex attracted people who have LGBT-affirming spiritual beliefs and religious affiliation, those who have non-affirming spiritual beliefs and religious affiliation, and those who have no spiritual beliefs or religious affiliation. This will help researchers better understand the connection between spirituality/religiosity, sexual orientation, and mental health difficulties.
Procedures:
After agreeing to participate in this study by clicking yes at the end of this informed consent document, you will be directed to a survey where you will be asked to provide demographic information, information about your spiritual beliefs and religious affiliation, questions about stress you have faced as a result of your sexual orientation, questions about your mental health and current substance use. You will then have the option of requesting a synopsis of the results of the study and entering into a lottery to win one of three $20 Amazon gift cards.
Enrollment Criteria:
In order to enroll in this study, you must identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or pansexual, be 18 or older, live in the United States, speak English, and be able to understand and agree to this informed consent document.
Study Duration:
Your participation in the study is expected to last 30-45 minutes. Data will be collected until a sufficient number of people have participated in the study. It is expected that the study will be completed and all data analyzed by June 30, 2020.
Compensation:
You will not be compensated for this study, however, at the end of this study, you will be given the opportunity to enter into a drawing for one of three $20 Amazon gift cards (delivered electronically)
Privacy and Protection of Information:
No personal identifying information will be collected as part of this study. All study records will be kept on a password-protected computer and deleted per Alliant International University and federal guidelines. All data collected will be kept confidential, except in cases of disclosed child abuse, elder abuse, or dependent adult abuse as required by law.
Risks/Benefits:
There are no direct benefits for participating in this study, however, you will be contributing to valuable research that may be beneficial in understanding and addressing health disparities affecting same-sex attracted individuals and understanding how religion and sexual orientation affect people.
There is a chance that you will feel some discomfort based on the content of the questionnaires, or that it may bring up hurtful thoughts or memories. Resources will be provided to you during the survey in case this does occur.
Personal Injury/Illness:
As this study is an online questionnaire, it is unlikely that any illness or injury will occur as a result of your study participation. In the unlikely event that illness or injury does occur based on your participating, this will not be covered by the study.
Questions/Concerns:
Please direct any questions or concerns to Adam Stoker (Study PI) at astoker@alliant.edu. For general questions about rights of research participants contact the Alliant International University Institutional Review Board at Alliant-irb@alliant.edu
Agreement to Participate:
In order to ensure that you have access to phone numbers and emails of contact persons responsible for the oversight, supervision or completion of this study, please either download or print this consent form before proceeding with this study. To agree to participate in this study, please click “I AGREE” below:
“I have read and understand this informed consent document and agree to participate in this study”
*Approved by Alliant International University Institutional Review Board