Thank you for Participating

Title of the Project: The Effectiveness of Post-Abortion Bible Studies on Self-Forgiveness and Depression

Principal Investigator: Karen H. Hubbard, MA, LCPC, Liberty University

Invitation to be Part of a Research Study
You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must be 18 years old, and your abortion must have been at least 12 months ago. Taking part in this research project is voluntary.

Please take time to read this entire form and ask questions before deciding whether to take part in this research.

What is the study about, and why is it being done?

The purpose of the study is to study the effectiveness of post-abortion Bible studies in increasing post-abortive women’s self-forgiveness and decreasing their depression. In addition, this study will inform clinical counselors of the essential integration of faith-based interventions for Christian women who are processing their post-abortion symptoms and difficulties in forgiving themselves.

What will happen if you take part in this study?

If you agree to be in this study, I will ask you to complete the following tasks.

1. Take a pretest that includes the Self-Forgiveness Dual Process Scale, the Moral Injury Experiences Symptoms Scale-Civilian, and the Beck Depression Inventory. The pretest will take you about 15 minutes.
2. If you miss any sessions, read the chapter missed.
3. Return to this website after the final week of the Bible study to take the posttest that includes the same three pretest assessments. The posttest will take you about 15 minutes.

How could you or others benefit from this study?

There is no direct personal benefit from participating in this research study.  

Benefits to society include an increased understanding of the effectiveness of post-abortion Bible studies in increasing self-forgiveness and decreasing depression. In addition, this understanding will provide evidence of the importance of including spiritual elements in abortion recovery interventions.

What risks might you experience from being in this study?

The risks involved in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life.

How will personal information be protected?

The records of this study will be kept private.  Research records will be stored securely, and only the researchers will have access to the records

• Participant responses will be anonymous.
• Data will be stored on a password-locked computer and may be used in future presentations. After three years, all electronic records will be deleted.

Does the researcher have any conflicts of interest?

The researcher serves as an intake coordinator for post-abortion Bible studies and a faith-based pregnancy clinic. To limit potential or perceived conflicts, the researcher will have no contact with the participants and will not have any part in organizing or facilitating the Bible study group. This disclosure is made so that you can decide if this relationship will affect your willingness to participate in this study. No action will be taken against an individual based on her decision to participate or not participate in this study.

Is study participation voluntary?

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free to not answer any question or withdraw at any time prior to submitting the assessments without affecting those relationships.

What should you do if you decide to withdraw from the study?

If you choose to withdraw from the study, please [exit the survey and close your internet browser. Your responses will not be recorded or included in the study.

 Whom do you contact if you have questions or concerns about the study?

The researcher conducting this study is Karen H. Hubbard. If you have questions, you are encouraged to contact her via the Researcher Questions link on this website; this link allows you to ask the researcher questions anonymously. You may also contact the researcher’s faculty sponsor, Dr. Pamela Moore, at [email protected].

Whom do you contact if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher, you are encouraged to contact the Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA 24515 or email at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is tasked with ensuring that human subjects research will be conducted in an ethical manner as defined and required by federal regulations. The topics covered and viewpoints expressed or alluded to by student and faculty researchers are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Liberty University.

 Your Consent

Before agreeing to be part of the research, please be sure that you understand what the study is about. You can print a copy of the document for your records. If you have any questions about the study later, you can contact the researcher using the information provided above.