The Climate Study aims to explore the lived experiences of individuals in the United States regarding environmental changes. By collecting personal narratives, we hope to gain insight into how these changes are perceived and experienced across different generations and regions.

Participation is open to individuals who:

• Are 18 years or older.

• Currently reside in the United States.

• Speak English fluently.

• Are willing to share their experiences in a recorded interview lasting approximately 90 minutes.

If we receive more interest than we can accommodate, we will select participants to ensure a broad representation of experiences and perspectives. Those not selected will still have the opportunity to engage with the study’s findings and outcomes.

Here are a few examples of the types of questions participants may be asked:

• What changes have you noticed in your town, with your neighbors, or in your family over the years?

• How do these changes make you feel about the future for yourself and those close to you?

• Can you share a story about how the weather or the land has affected your daily life or the people around you?

• What do your family, neighbors, or community say about these changes?

By participating, you’ll contribute to a deeper understanding of how people perceive and respond to environmental changes. Your input may:

• Help inform future discussions and decisions on environmental topics.

• Foster a broader understanding of how these issues affect communities nationwide.

• Provide valuable context for ongoing research. While there is no monetary compensation, your voice matters and will help shape this important conversation.

This study involves minimal risks, but discussing environmental changes could bring up personal or emotional topics. If you feel uncomfortable, you are free to pause or discontinue your participation at any time.

Yes, participation is entirely voluntary. You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without consequences.

We are committed to protecting your privacy. All personal information, including your name, location, and occupation, will be removed during the analysis process. While we aim to provide enough context to illustrate where your story is coming from, this will be done in a way that maintains your anonymity. For example, we may reference your region or community characteristics but will not include any details that could directly identify you.

All recordings, notes, and transcripts will be stored securely and accessible only to the research team. Once the study is completed, all identifying materials will be destroyed, including audio recordings and any raw data with identifiable information. Identifying details will not be included in published findings.

Yes, your information will remain confidential. Only the research team, which includes members of my dissertation committee, will have access to your data, which will be stored securely. All recordings and notes will be de-identified during analysis, and no personal details will appear in any published materials. If you have concerns about confidentiality, feel free to ask us before or during the study.

This study is sponsored by Fielding Graduate University, an American Psychological Association-accredited PhD program in Clinical Psychology. The study has been rigorously reviewed and approved by Fielding Graduate University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). This research is part of my doctoral work to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. It is being chaired and methods expert by Susan G. Goldberg, PhD, with Andrew Schrack-Walters, PhD, serving as the secondary reader, and Dr. Adria Pearson-Mauro as the external reader. This approval process ensures that the research meets high ethical and scientific standards, prioritizing participant safety and well-being.

If you are eligible, feel free to sign up here. If you’re interested in contributing to this study other than signing-up, please reach out to asears@fielding.edu. We’d love to hear from you and discuss the next steps!