PURPOSE: The present study seeks to better understand the relationship between certain types of parenting practices, experiences of racism, and various outcomes among Black/African-American mothers.

DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: The present study will further examine the unique experiences of a small sample of African American mothers to better understand the complex ways in which experiences with racism may affect the relationships between socialization practices and mental health in this sample. Additionally, grit and forgiveness will be explored as these have been found to be associated with resilience in similar populations. It is expected that racial socialization practices will be associated with resilience (e.g., grit, forgiveness) and that these will be associated with fewer experiences with distress in mothers who experience racism. Mothers will complete semi-structured interviews related to their experiences of their parents’ RS behaviors, as well as self-reported experiences of racism, and levels of dispositional forgiveness, grit, and general mental health outcomes. The semi-structured interviews will be audio recorded for accuracy of prospective participant’s responses.

BENEFITS: Participants are not expected to directly benefit from this research. However, the researchers hope this study will lead to a greater understanding of parenting, race, and racism.

RISKS: There are no foreseeable risks, beyond those already present in routine daily life, involved in the present study. If a participant at any time feels distressed while answering any of the study’s questions, they should contact the researcher immediately.

COMPENSATION: Participants that engage in the complete participation of the research study will be given a $75 gift card in exchange for their participation.

CONFIDENTIALITY: The results of the research study may be published but your name or identity will not be revealed. In order to maintain confidentiality of your records, all data collected from the study will be stored in aggregate form with no identifying information to ensure confidentiality. Data will be stored in a secure location for six (6) years, after which time it will be destroyed.

PARTICIPANT’S ASSURANCE: This project has been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board, which ensures that research projects involving human subjects follow federal regulations. Any questions or concerns about rights as a research participant should be directed to the Chair of the Institutional Review Board, Santa Clara University, 455 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053, 608.551.3643. Participation in this project is completely voluntary, and participants may withdraw from this study at any time without penalty, prejudice, or loss of benefits. Questions concerning the research should be directed to the primary researcher Dr. Vivian L. Tamkin (vtamkin@scu.edu) or the co-researcher,. If you experience distress as a result of your participation in this study, please notify the primary researcher Dr. Vivian L. Tamkin (vtamkin@scu.edu) or the co-researcher . If you have questions about my rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Committee, through Office of Research Compliance and Integrity at (408) 554-5591.