Overview
I am asking you to take part in a research study. The purpose of this research study is to identify perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors related to the use of psychedelics substances for self-actualization and/or mental health therapy among ethnic and racial minorities. Secondarily, it will identify political and economic contexts shaping opportunities and consequences for psychedelic usage. The use of psychedelics whether in community or in professional mental health contexts has grown increasingly popular in the United States, to such an extent that the current popular interest in psychedelic usage is called the “psychedelic renaissance.” Anthropological and other social science perspectives promise to illuminate the social, cultural, and material contexts of new and existing patterns of use. This research will be useful for identifying opportunities and challenges that these substances pose for public health.
Study Participation and Procedures
If you agree to join this study, you will be asked to share your perspectives on the use of psychedelic substances, whether you use them or simply have opinions about them. This could be either in a one-on-one formal or informal interviews. Interviews may be either face-to-face or virtual. Most formal interviews last about 60 minutes. You may request shorter or longer interviews if you want. With your permission, I will audio record the interview. I may ask you if you are interested in follow up interviews.
Alternatives:
If you do not want to take part in the study, or you would like to provide information in a different manner you may let me know at any time at: torresn5@wwu.edu or in person.
Risks
Confidentiality is the biggest risk, and precautions are being taken to protect that. To minimize risk, the PI will assign pseudonyms to research participants and will store all electronic data on password protected University storage drives. Loss of confidentiality may lead to loss of standing in the community. Participants may also disclose that they might have participated in illegal activities. The PI will remind participants that they can choose not to answer any of the questions.
Confidentiality
You will be assigned a pseudonym unrelated to your identity. Any information you provide will be coded with that. If the interview is recorded, I will ask you not to use your real name or any other identifying information. If you happen to mention identifying information, we will omit identifying information in the transcript and delete the interview. Your information may be used in the future, even after the current study is formally completed, in conference presentations and published articles or books. In publishing or presenting findings, any identifying information will be disguised. Any identifying information collected will only be for the purpose of contacting you and will not be part of the research.
Benefits
You may not benefit directly, though some people experience benefits from sharing their stories. Your stories and perspectives will help expand knowledge about evolving cultural concepts, attitudes, and behavioral patterns regarding psychedelic drug use. Your contributions will help to understand opportunities as well as constraints and challenges in the use of psychedelics for well-being.
Payment and Compensation
You will not be paid to participate in this study. If you are a WWU student or employee, taking part in this research will not affect your class, standing, grades, or job at WWU. In addition, as a further precaution and protection of confidentiality, especially WWU students or employees, please do not provide details about illegal substance use.. You will not be offered or receive any special consideration if you take part in this research.
Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and you may decline to participate or withdraw any information you have provided from the study at any time by notifying me in person or at torresn5@wwu.edu or at 206.295.4100. If you are a WWU student or employee, taking part in this research is not a part of your WWU class work or duties. You can refuse to enroll or withdraw after enrolling at any time before the study is over, with no effect on your class standing, grades, or job at WWU. You will not be offered or receive any special consideration if you take part in this research.
Questions
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about the research, you may contact Nicole Torres at torresn5@wwu.edu or at 206.295.4100. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, or concerns or complaints about the research, you may contact the WWU Human Research Protections Program at 360.650.2437 or at compliance@wwu.edu. Regular hours for the Human Research Protections Program are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.
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