The title of the research study is “Alcohol and Stress Couples Study”


Principle Investigator: Meagan Brem, Ph.D., Phone (540) 231-5701, E-mail: mbrem@vt.edu

Key Information: The purpose of this screener is to determine if you are eligible to participate in the study “Alcohol and Stress Couples Study.” This screener will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. You will be asked about your age, your relationship status, your alcohol use, your sexual identity, and your internet access. If you are in a romantic relationship, we will also ask you about your relationship length, and your partner’s alcohol use, sexual identity, and internet access. You must complete the screener to determine if you are eligible to enroll in the study.

Why am I being invited to take part in a screener for a research study?
We invite you to take part in a screener for this research study because you followed a survey link indicating your interest in being screened for eligibility in the study. We will first need to determine if you are eligible to participate in the study by completing this screener.
What should I know about being in a research study?
  • This research study will be explained to you
  • Whether or not you take part in this research study is up to you
  • You can choose not to take part in this research study
  • You can agree to take part in this research study and later change your mind
  • Your decision will not be held against you
  • You can ask all the questions you want before you decide
Why is this screener being done?
  • The screener will help research staff ensure that you are eligible to complete the study procedures.

Detailed Information: The following is more detailed information about this screener in addition to the information listed above.

Who can I talk to?

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints, or think the pre-screener has hurt you, talk to the research team by contacting:
Dr. Meagan Brem, Office: (540) 231-5701, E-mail: mbrem@vt.edu
This research has been reviewed and approved by the Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board (IRB). You may communicate with them at 540-231-3732 or irb@vt.edu if:
  • You have questions about your rights as a research subject
  • Your questions, concerns, or complaints are not being answered by the research team
  • You cannot reach the research team
  • You want to talk to someone besides the research team to provide feedback about this research

How many people will be studied?

We plan to include about 100 people in the research study. We expect to screen approximately 400 individuals for eligibility.

What happens if I say yes, I want to be screened to determine my eligibility for this research study?

You will be asked a series of questions through this survey. Your name and contact information will not be linked to your responses in any way. All data from this survey will be handled by trained research assistants. You have the option of reading this information first and opting to complete the screener later.
  • The entire screener could take between 2 and 5 minutes. You will not be paid to participate in this brief screener. If you are eligible to participate in the study, you can earn up to $120.00. The study will last approximately 61 days and is entirely virtual.
  • You will be asked to answer questions regarding your age, relationship status, sexual identity, alcohol use, and internet access. If you are in a romantic relationship, you will be asked to answer questions regarding your partner’s age, sexual identity, alcohol use, and internet access.
  • You may choose to discontinue the screener at any time.
  • If it is determined that you are eligible, we will ask you to provide your name, phone number, and email address in a separate survey (to keep your contact information separate from your answers to the screener) so that we can contact you to schedule your Zoom onboarding session with research staff. If you are in a relationship, you will also be asked to enter your partner’s contact information so that research staff can contact your partner to allow them the opportunity to enroll in the study. Your partner will not have access to any of your survey responses. This contact information will be stored in a password-protected excel file within Dr. Brem’s locked research laboratory. Only authorized research staff have access to this password-protected computer and laboratory space.
  • If you are ineligible to participate in the study, we will not inform you of the reason why to protect the integrity of the screening procedures.

What happens if I say yes, but I change my mind later?

You can discontinue this screener at any time, for any reason, and it will not be held against you.

Is there any way being in this pre-screener could be bad for me? (Detailed Risks)

  • Risks to those who complete the screener are minimal. Some people may feel uncomfortable providing personal and sensitive information. We have taken steps to increase your confidentiality. If you feel distressed by any of the screener questions, you may discontinue participation at any time without penalty.
  • Dr. Meagan Brem and her trained research staff will have access to the information you provide, though your identity will not be linked to your screener responses since your contact information is requested in a separate survey. Information may also be shared with those who make sure the study is done correctly (Virginia Tech Institutional Review Board). The responses you provide as part of this screener will be stored on password-protected computers inside a locked laboratory room. Again, your name and contact information will not be linked to your responses. If you are eligible for the study, your name, phone number, and email address will be stored electronically on a password-protected excel file on a password- and firewall-protected computer in a locked laboratory room.
  • Personal identifying information used to contact you and schedule your study session will be deleted from electronic records upon your completion of the study if you are eligible. Despite all of our efforts to protect your privacy, confidentiality breaches may still occur.

What happens to the information collected for the screener?

We will make every effort to limit the use and disclosure of your personal information, including research study records, only to people who have a need to review this information. We cannot promise complete confidentiality. Organizations that may inspect and copy your information include the IRB, Human Research Protection Program, and other authorized representatives of Virginia Tech.
Only the principal investigator and authorized research staff will have access to screener data and your contact information (if you are deemed eligible to participate and choose to provide your contact information). Your contact information will be deleted from research records once (1) you complete the study, or (2) you inform the research team that you are not interested in participating in the study. Alternatively, you may provide consent for Dr. Brem to save your contact information so that we may contact you for future research opportunities.   
If identifiers are removed from your private information or samples that are collected during this screen, that information or those samples could be used for future research studies or distributed to another investigator for future research studies without your additional informed consent.

Can I be removed from the screener without my OK?

If technology issues arise (e.g., internet issues), please email VTcouplesstudy@gmail.com or call our laboratory at 540-231-7339.

What else do I need to know?

You will receive a list of resources related to mental health and/or substance use upon completion of this screener.


 
Are you willing to participate in a 2-5-minute screener survey? Your participation is voluntary.