RESEARCH RELATED TO MINORS 

If you wish to conduct research on sensitive topics with minors as participants then you should contact the chair of the IRB before submitting a proposal to discuss the details of your project and to determine whether this work is feasible at Bates.

RESEARCH RELATED TO ADULTS 

If you are conducting research with adult participants and your project involves sensitive topics (e.g., depression, abuse) then you must modify the generic consent and debriefing statements.  

In the consent template, you should modify the statement: “The probability and magnitude of harm/discomfort anticipated as a result of participating in this study are not greater than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests.” If you are studying sensitive topics, you must modify this statement to include information about the nature of the questions you will ask about, and participants’ ability to skip questions.  As an example, you might state “Several of the survey items ask questions about depression and loneliness. These items may be upsetting for some individuals.  You may skip any questions that you do not feel comfortable answering.” 

Then, in the debriefing script (or materials provided at the conclusion of the subject’s participation) resources should be provided and tailored to the topic under investigation and the sample that was used.  

As an example, for Bates College students this might state “Several of the questions asked about depression and loneliness.  If you are struggling with these issues please know that confidential and free help is available to all Bates students through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).  To contact CAPS call  207-786-6200 or email CAPS@bates.edu to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs to speak with a counselor after normal business hours, call 207-786-6200 and press “0” to reach ProtoCall. In a crisis situation, you can also CALL 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

If you are using a non-Bates sample you should provide national numbers.  For example, you might state “Several of the questions asked about depression and loneliness.  If you are struggling with these issues please know that free help is available.  CALL 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or  1-800-442-HOPE(4673) to speak with a trained counselor at the National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline.”

The information you provide needs to be modified for the specific topic under investigation.  Some common hotlines are listed here.  Before using these numbers please check to make sure the information is accurate and up to date.  

COMMON HOTLINES FOR RESEARCH ON SENSITIVE TOPICS 

The Title IX Team at Bates College is trained to receive, respond to, and resolve reports of bias, harassment, and discrimination that impact Bates community members. Team members have robust training in supporting individuals who report sexual harassment, including sexual assault, stalking, and domestic and dating violence. Contact information: 207-786-6445 or titleix@bates.edu.

Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay). Call the 24-hour statewide sexual assault crisis and support line (or text Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) for confidential services free of charge. 

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Bates College.  To contact CAPS call  207-786-6200 or email CAPS@bates.edu to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.  If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs to speak with a counselor after normal business hours, call 207-786-6200 and press “0” to reach ProtoCall. In a crisis situation, you can also CALL 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988.

National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-442-HOPE(4673) to speak with a trained counselor.

The Maine Crisis Line (MCL) is the state’s crisis telephone response service for individuals or families experiencing a behavioral health crisis or having thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm. Trained crisis call specialists answer the line and provide free and confidential telephone support and stabilization 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-888-568-1112 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay).

Child Protective Services: Call 1-800-452-1999 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay). If you are concerned about child neglect or abuse, call this 24-hour hotline to speak to a child protective specialist. Calls may be made anonymously. 

Domestic Violence Helpline: Call 1-866-834-HELP (4357). The statewide Domestic Violence Helpline connects callers with advocates at Domestic Violence Resource Centers and provides information, crisis counseling, emotional support, and advocacy.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Call 1-800-737-6237.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Call 1-800-974-0062. Call the Narcotics Anonymous helpline and talk to a person in recovery from addiction.