Dear Participant:

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this research study. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the resources that provide support for couples in their relationships. The information you provide will ultimately be used to help researchers and practitioners in the field of family counseling have a more in-depth understanding of the ways that couples find support for their relationships.

You are eligible to participate in this study if (a) you are at least 18 years of age, and (b) you are currently involved in a monogamous intimate relationship. For purposes of this study, a monogamous intimate relationship is defined as an exclusive relationship, in which two individuals share an emotional, romantic, and/or sexual connection, and both individuals agree that neither partner will share a similar relationship with another person.

There are two sections included in this survey. The first section is a brief demographic questionnaire. The second section asks you several questions about yourself and your relationship. Please read each item carefully. Directions are included within the survey. Your responses will not be processed until you submit your survey at the end. Therefore, you may change your responses at any time before then.

Completing this survey is voluntary. You may withdraw your consent at any time without penalty. You do not have to answer any questions you do not wish to answer. Your responses will be anonymous, and there will be no way for me to identify which responses are yours. All data collected through this study is stored on a secure server. There are a total of 83 questions, and the study will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

As a benefit of participating in this study, once you have submitted your responses, you will receive individualized feedback, called the Couple’s Resource Map. This map will depict the resources that are available to you in your relationship, based on your responses to the survey. By completing this survey, you may also gain a greater understanding of the types of resources that you could use to support your current relationship. There are no other anticipated benefits directly to you for your participation in this study. There are no anticipated risks to you for participating in this study.

The data collected through this study will be kept for five years following completion of the study. All data will be stored in a secure location until it is destroyed. Data stored on computer files will be removed and destroyed. Paper copies of data will be shredded.

The research and this consent form have been approved by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Institutional Review Board, which insures that research involving people follows federal regulations. Questions regarding your rights as a participant in this project can be answered by calling Mr. Eric Allen at 336.256.1482. Questions regarding the research itself will be answered by Dr. Christine E. Murray by calling 336.334.3426 or by e-mailing cemurray@uncg.edu. 

By clicking the "I agree" button below, you are indicating that you have read and understand the procedure described above and voluntarily agree to participate in this survey. You are also indicating that you understand any risks and benefits that may be involved in this study. Before you proceed to the survey, please print a copy of this letter for your records. Once you have clicked the "I agree" button, click "Next" to be taken to the beginning of the survey.
Thank you for your time and input!