Hi gaybros! The following post is in relation to a psychology study (questionnaire based) that I am currently conducting. If you are interested in participating please read on.

A bit about myself. I'm a fourth-year psychology student in the process of completing my honour’s thesis at the University of Victoria. I self-identify as gay and am a long time reddit (lurker) user. As someone who grew up in a conservative catholic family and attended catholic school from K-6, I am interested in studying the effects of environmental sexual stigma (negative attitudes toward non-heterosexual identities and behaviors) on mental health. This study focuses on early family environment and its association with sexual, social, and psychological variables among gay and bisexual men.

Research of this nature is important for two main reasons: (1) gay and bisexual men are at a significantly greater risk for developing mental health problems, and (2) gay and bisexual men are under-represented in psychological research/literature.

If you are still interested in participating, please see a more detailed study description below. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or message me.

More information about me and the projects/labs I am involved with can be found here:

https://marssresearch.wordpress.com

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/healthcbr/about/

https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/coupleslab/

Cheers,

Graham

Detailed study description:

Study name: Early Family Environment and Current Psychological Well-Being in a Sample of North American Gay and Bisexual Men

Study Type: Web-based Questionnaire/Survey

Compensation: Participants will be entered into a lottery with the chance to win a $10, $15, or $25 Amazon gift card (1 in 8 chance) OR can choose instead to donate their participatory honorarium ($5.00) to charity* (up to a maximum of $500).

*International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA). ILGA is “the world federation of national and local organizations dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people across the globe.”

Duration: 35– 40 minutes (though many will likely complete it in less time)

Sign-up Restrictions: This study is ONLY available to individuals who self-identify as gay or bisexual men (including transmen), are 18 years of age or older, were born in Canada or the United States, were raised in Canada or the United States, currently reside in Canada or the United States, are able to complete a questionnaire in English, and are able to provide informed consent.

Abstract/Description: In this study you will be asked to fill out a number of computer-based questionnaires about your family environment while growing up and experiences related to your sexual orientation (e.g., coming-out to parents, feelings of shame related to your sexual orientation, perceptions of sexuality related stigma), and current psychological well-being. Some of the questions inquire about possible experiences of parental rejection, personal feelings about your sexual orientation, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, experiences of sexual orientation-related shame, and current psychological well-being. Given the topics that you will be asked about, as well as the volume and length of the questions in this study, it is possible that some people may experience discomfort as a result of participation; please be mindful of your own comfort level when choosing to participate. If you believe you may be overly distressed or triggered by any of these topics, you may wish not to participate in this study. Participation in this study is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time during the study session. All questionnaire responses will be completely anonymous and no identifying information will be collected from you.

NOTE: to be entered for the Amazon Gift Card lottery, individuals must provide a valid email address. The email address will not be linked to questionnaire responses. If you believe that your current email address contains identifying information that you are uncomfortable sharing, you are encouraged to create a new email address for the purpose of this study. Participants are welcome to participate in the study without being entered in the Amazon Gift Card Lottery and no email address is required to donate your participatory honorarium ($5.00) to charity.

Principal Applicant: Graham Berlin

Email: gberlin[at]uvic.ca

Principal Investigator: Dr. Erica Woodin

Email: ewoodin[at]uvic.ca

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SURVEY LINK: https://uvic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cIUvQkXhG7Z1KK1

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