Informed Consent to Participate in a Research Study

The Effects of Group Experiences on Psychological States

Dawson Church, PhD, Principal Investigator

Introduction
You are invited to participate in a research study. Research studies are designed to gain scientific knowledge that may help other people in the future. You may or may not receive any benefit from being part of the study.

Why is This Study Being Conducted?
The purpose of this study is to compare psychological symptoms and stress biomarkers before and after group experiences.

What is Involved in This Research Study?
You will sign this form, and fill out a questionnaire that has been used in many other research studies, and which can be completed in about five minutes. You will complete them before the program, afterward, and at a couple of time points in the future via email. We will contact you by phone if we are unable to reach you by email. This is the only purpose for which your phone number and email address will be used. You may also be asked to provide a saliva sample, and /or fill out an additional survey a short while before the program.

The Benefits and Risks of the Study?
The possible benefits of participating in this study are an improvement in your psychological and physical condition. To date, research confirms that there are no known side effects. There is no guarantee that any of your current symptoms will be improved by participation in this study. Recalling emotional memories can result in emotional of physical sensations of discomfort.

What About Confidentiality?
You write only your initials and first name on the questionnaires, so your full name is not used, and if the researchers publish the information learned from this study, you cannot be identified in any way.

Who Is Sponsoring This Study?
This study is being sponsored by the National Institute for Integrative Healthcare, a 501 (c) (3) public benefit nonprofit research and teaching organization (www.NIIH.org). The sponsor is providing money or other support to help conduct this study.

You agree to take part in this study and confirm that you are 18 years of age or older. You have had a chance to ask questions about being in this study and have had those questions answered to your satisfaction. By signing this consent form you are not giving up any legal rights to which you are entitled.