An Anonymous Online Study

We're looking for student volunteers!

Participants are needed to partake in a research study about experiences related to gender identity and gender expression on college campuses.

Study Title

Religion, Stress, Resilience, and Health of Black Transgender and Gender Non-Binary College Students: An Anonymous Online Study

Study Purpose:

This study will explore intersections between racial/ethnic identity, religious identity, gender expression, stress, resiliency and the health of Black transgender (Trans) and gender nonconforming (TGNC) college students in the UNC system.  Moreover, it will shed light on whether the type of college attended influences this population’s health.  National samples indicated TGNC individuals were more likely to suffer from mental health challenges compared to cisgender persons.  TGNC persons between 18 and 25 experienced a greater prevalence of psychological stress compared to the TGNC population overall.  Likewise, a larger percentage of Black TGNC persons attempted suicide as relative to TGNC people overall.

Significance of Study:

This study will lead to an increased understanding of health and well-being of Black transgender and gender nonbinary college students.

Eligibility:

• Current fulltime student or graduate within last three years of a college in UNC system
• Identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming
• Identify as Black, African American or person of African descent
• 18 years of age or older

What Participants will be Expected to do:

• Complete surveys anonymously online
• Completion and submission of surveys will be considered consent to participate.
• People can withdraw from study at any point by not submitting survey optional opportunity to enter raffle for a chance to win one of ten incentive prizes (potential prizes include an iPad Pro and gift cards with values up to $500).
• Participants opting in will be asked to provide contact information (email) using a separate link. This link will only become active once all surveys have been submitted and only used for the purpose of randomly selecting raffle winners; after which the contact information will be destroyed.

Benefits of Participation:

• Participation provides transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming persons to share their experiences negotiating college and the impact these experiences have on their health and well-being
• The collective insights gained through completion of this study will allow UNC colleges to develop programs that decrease gender-related stress experienced by students and develop strategies to enhance well-being of this population of students

Risks Related to Participation:

• Completion of surveys regarding experiences related to navigating college as a transgender or gender nonconforming person may result in some emotional distress for some participants.
• Participants can withdraw from study at any point without penalty
• Anonymous online collection of data alleviates risks associated with accidental disclosure of participants' identity.
• Participants can choose not to answer particular questions that are considered too private. Every effort will be made to prepare a list of mental health providers that are affirming to transgender and gender nonconforming persons in cities where UNC colleges are located.
• Participants currently enrolled in college can access counseling services through the health centers on their campus.
• A separate link will be used to collect names, telephone numbers, and email addresses for participants wishing to be entered into the raffle for incentive gifts. This information will not be linked to surveys. Personal contact info will be destroyed once all incentives are rewarded.

Contact for Study:

Dr. Elijah Onsomu, Primary Investigator
onsomue@wssu.edu

Concerns about Participant Welfare:

Dr. Islam Kahn, Compliance Officer WSSU
khaniu@wssu.edu