https://nccu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bl32Hct6zLRTSpo

Title of Study: Investigating the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adult Depression, Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among HBCU Students

Principal Investigator: Kaila Butler
Department of Psychology
Taylor Education Building
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC 27707


You are being asked to participate in a research study on adverse childhood experiences, adversity type, frequency, and socioeconomic status. To join the study is voluntary. If you decide to be in this study, you will be one of approximately 200 people who will participate. Details about this study are discussed below. It is crucial that you understand this information so that you can make an informed choice about whether you want to participate in this research.

Background and Purpose:
The purpose of the current study is to investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult depression, anxiety, and self-esteem among African American college students. Research participants for this study are being recruited from undergraduate and graduate classes at North Carolina Central University. You must be between the ages of 18 to 40 years old to participate in this research study.

Duration and Location:
The recruitment will take place at North Carolina Central University classrooms during the Spring Session of 2025, while completing the survey on Qualtrics’ participants' will be at a location that is convenient for them via an electronic device. Participation in this study will last for approximately 30 minutes.

Procedure:
You will be able to access this study using a computer or mobile device through the QR code or link sent via email. After gaining access, you'll see first a brief description of the study and then will be asked to review the informed consent. A response of either Yes or No to the following question positioned at the end of the consent form will enable you either to continue with or exit the study. By clicking 'Yes,' you are affirming that you are eligible and give your consent to participate in this study. After consent is obtained, a list of available support services will be provided for your use and reference during or after the study has ended. The surveys will then follow, beginning with demographic questions (i.e., age, gender, etc), then the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire, and lastly, the BASC-3 Self Report College Subscale. At the completion of all measures, the study will end. At the end of the study, participants will be debriefed and asked how the study impacted them and if they have any questions. Given that the study is about three key mental health (i.e. depression, anxiety, self-esteem) a resource sheet of mental health services will be provided. Lastly, you will be thanked for your participation.

Risks and Discomforts:
The risks and discomforts involved in this study are believed to be minimal. You may experience some discomfort in answering questions about the number of adverse childhood experiences. The likelihood of any serious problem is believed to be low. A resource guide of support will be provided following this Informed Consent for you to use anytime (if needed) during or after your participation in this study. Participants can elect not to participate at any point within the study without penalty.

Benefits and Payment:
Research is designed to gain new knowledge that will be beneficial to society. By participating in this research, you will be contributing to society's understanding of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. You will also receive information regarding available treatment services if you need assistance in dealing with coping with childhood trauma. This study does not provide funding to participants for treatment services. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to receive extra credit in a Psychology course if the participant chooses to participate in the research study upon completion of the Demographic Questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, and BASC-3 Self-report College Subscale.

Right to Refuse or Withdraw from the Study:
Your participation in this study is voluntary. You may refuse to participate or may discontinue your participation at any time without penalty. The investigator has the right to stop your participation at any time.

Use of Research Results:
The data obtained in this study will assist investigators in understanding the influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Depression, Anxiety, and Self-esteem among African American college students and will help steer future research in this area. The data may be used in publications or for teaching purposes. There will be no identifying information included in the research results. As per American Psychological Association standards, the data will be kept on an encrypted file for 3-5 years. After that 3–5-year period the data will be removed that computer and disk.

Privacy and Confidentiality:
To assure anonymity, participants will be instructed NOT to put identifying information on the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Demographic Questionnaire, or BASC-3 Self Report College Subscale. All data collected will be coded and not have the participant’s name on it. To ensure confidentiality, the signed consent forms will be stored in a locked file in Dr. Livingston’s office, — Taylor Education Building. Participants will not be identified in any report or publication. Each participant will be identified only by their IP address. The IP address will be associated with a number in sequential order. Thus, the IP address of participant 1 will be associated with 1.

Questions about the Study:
If you have any questions, complaints, or concerns about this study, you may contact the Principal Investigator listed on the first page. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at North Carolina Central University. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, or if you have complaints or concerns about this study, you may contact the IRB Chair at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Director of Research Compliance, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 919-530-5140.