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Maternal Detachment & Psychological Well-Being Among Adult Black Daughters: The Mediating Role of Detachment Strategies

Title of the Project: Maternal Detachment & Psychological Well-Being: Among Adult Black Daughters: The Mediating Role of Detachment Strategies

Principal Investigator: Dr. Imani S. Steele

Co-investigator(s): Dr. Whittni Holland

Key Information about the Research Study

IRB:-FY26-27-29

You are invited to participate in a research study. To participate, you must be a descendant of American slaves (e.g., African American), a biological female who is at least 25 years old, and your biological mother must be alive and identify as a descendant of American slaves.

Things you should know:

· The purpose of the study is to understand the prevalence of maternal detachment among adult Black daughters, the effectiveness of detachment strategies, and maternal detachment’s impact on psychological well-being If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a brief survey. This will take approximately 10 minutes.

· Risks or discomforts from this research include emotional distress when thinking about sensitive topics related to maternal detachment. The research team will allow participants to withdraw or skip questions as needed.

· While there may not be immediate benefits, you will contribute to a greater understanding of the challenges faced by Black women which could inform future improvements in support.

· Taking part in this research project is voluntary. You do not have to participate, and you can stop at any time.

Please read this entire form and ask questions before deciding whether to participate in this research.

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

This study will contribute to the emerging body of literature focusing on strained or absent maternal relationships within the Black community. The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence rates of adult Black daughters who are detached from their mothers, while understanding how their choice to detach from their mothers impacts their psychological well-being. It is essential to understand the unique needs of Black women navigating a complex maternal relationship.

What will happen if you take part in this study?

If you agree to be in this study, I will ask you to do the following:

Complete an online survey/pre-test that will take no more than 10 minutes.

How could you or others benefit from this study?

The direct benefits participants should expect from participating in this study include contributing to research that can address the unique needs of Black women navigating a complex maternal relationship that may impact their emotional, psychological, social, and identity development. Additionally, your lived experience may uncover insights for counseling and ministerial practices that can foster healing and reconciliation. Overall, your participation helps ensure that these issues receive the attention they deserve.

What risks might you experience from being in this study?

The expected risks from participating in this study are minimal, which means they are equal to the risks you would encounter in everyday life. The risks involved in this study include the possibility of psychological or emotional distress from thinking about your lived experience of being detached from your mother, if this applies to you.

How will personal information be protected?

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

· Participant responses will be anonymous.

· Data will be stored on the research team's password-locked computers. The researchers will have access to the data. Data will be retained indefinitely.

Is study participation voluntary?

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your decision whether to participate will not affect your current or future relations with Liberty University. If you decide to participate, you are free not to answer any question or withdraw at any time before submitting the survey 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 researchers conducting this study are Dr. Imani Steele and Dr. Whittni Holland. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact them at isteele@liberty.edu

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 want to talk to someone other than the researchers, you are encouraged to contact the IRB. Our physical address is Institutional Review Board, 1971 University Blvd., Green Hall Ste. 2845, Lynchburg, VA, 24515; our phone number is 434-592-5530, and our email address is irb@liberty.edu.

Disclaimer: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is tasked with ensuring that human subjects research will be conducted ethically 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 will be given a copy of this document for your records/you can print a copy of the document for your records. If you have any questions about the study later, you can contact the study team] using the information provided above. Although you are not required to sign a consent form, if you prefer to do so, please contact the researcher.