BOX4-7 Sample Consent FormDevelopment of Personality Features
Consent Form
CodeConsent to Serve as a Participant in Research Study
I consent to participate in the study“Development of Personality Features”sponsored by the Psychology
Department at the University of Missouri and conducted under the direction of Timothy J. Trull, Ph.D. This
research project is aimed at assessing how personality features develop in young adults.
I understand that the study will involve the following procedures: (1) At Time 1 (study entry), I will be asked
a number of questions, some of which may be extremely sensitive or upsetting, concerning various personal
problems that I might have experienced as well as personal problems my biological parents may have experienced
(e.g., depression, suicidal feelings, child abuse). I understand that I will also complete a computerized interview
and will be given two interview questionnaires that allow the researcher to develop a psychological profile. I
understand that these interviews will be audiotaped. Only project staff will have access to these audiotapes, and
these tapes will be erased at the end of the project. For my participation at Time 1, which should take a total of
about 4 hours, I will be compensated $35.00 for my time and efforts.
(2) At Time 2 (2 years later), I will be asked a number of questions, some of which may be extremely sensitive
or upsetting, concerning various personal problems that I might have experienced as well as personal problems
my biological parents may have experienced. I understand that I will also complete a computerized interview and
will be given two interview questionnaires that allow the researcher to develop a psychological profile. For my
participation at Time 2, which should take a total of about 4 hours, I will be compensated $35.00 for my time and
efforts. Therefore, if I participate in all aspects of this study (i.e., at Time 1 and at Time 2), I will receive a total of
$70.00. I also understand that I may be contacted at some point in the future and asked to provide follow-up
information. I understand that I am under no obligation to participate at that time and I may at any time
withdraw and request that I not be asked to participate in the future.
I understand that all possible steps have been taken to assure my privacy. I understand that the project staff
will code the results of this research in such a manner that my identity will not be attached physically to the
information I contribute. The key listing my identity and participant code number will be kept separate from the
information in a locked file accessible only to the project staff. This key will be destroyed at the conclusion of the
research project. Although the researchers do not know at this point when additional follow-ups may be
attempted, the project will be concluded within 15 years’time. I also understand that these identifiers will be
preserved for the duration of the project unless I request otherwise. I understand that I may contact the project
director at any time and request that all identifiers that link my identity to the information I have contributed be
destroyed. If requested, all data I have contributed and all identifying information will be destroyed by the
project director (Dr. Trull).
I realize that the purpose of this project is to examine the relations between certain variables in groups of
individuals and not to evaluate the responses of a particular individual. I also understand that responding to
some of the questions about personal problems, feelings, and behavior as well as about problems my biological
parents may have experienced may cause discomfort because of their sensitive nature.
I understand that in the unlikely event that I am found to be suicidal or an imminent threat to someone
else, the appropriate authorities will be contacted. Also, if I divulge information indicating that I am aware of
possible ongoing child abuse or information raising the suspicion of ongoing child abuse, appropriate authorities
will have to be notified. I understand that, although remote, it is possible that the information I contribute may
be subject to subpoena.
I understand that participation is voluntary, that there is no penalty for refusal to participate, and that I am
free to withdraw my consent and discontinue my participation before I complete the session. I also understand
that I may refuse to answer any individual questions without penalty. In the event that I elect to discontinue
participation, I understand that I will not receive any compensation and that any information I have contributed122 CHAPTER 4