An Exploration of Relationship Doubts and Sexual Well-being in Couples
Researcher: Brenna Bagnell, Doctor of Psychology Student, Faculty of Psychology/Arts, omearalab@upei.ca
Supervisor: Dr. Martha Giraldo O’Meara, Faculty of Psychology/Arts, mgomeara@upei.ca
Thank you for your interest. We invite you to take part in our study called An Exploration of Relationship Doubts and Sexual Well-Being in Couples. The study is led by Doctor of Clinical Psychology Student Ms. Brenna Bagnell, under the supervision of Dr. Martha Giraldo O’Meara. Research is conduced at the University of Prince Edward Island as part of the researcher’s doctoral dissertation.
The information below tells you about what you are being asked to do. Please ask as many questions as you like about anything mentioned here, or information not included here.
Purpose: Some individuals experience persistent and distressing doubts about their partner and/or relationship. To minimize these doubts individuals may seek frequent reassurance that their relationship is “right” or avoid aspects of a partner that are upsetting. These doubts and behaviours are symptoms of relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), which is a mental health condition involving obsessions and compulsions regarding romantic relationships. ROCD has been associated with sexual challenges in the past; however, at present, no one has researched ROCD in couples. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of relationships and/or partner doubts and ROCD symptoms on couples’ sexual well-being. Results from this study may be used to inform treatment for couples navigating these challenges.
What will you be asked to do? You will be asked to complete an online survey. The online study survey includes questions to assess whether the study is a good fit for you and questionnaires and open-ended questions about your relationship and/or partner doubts, ROCD symptoms, and your sexual well-being. The study survey will take approximately 45 minutes.
What if you decide to stop participating? Participation is voluntary. You can skip any questions while filling out the surveys. You can also decide to stop answering questions. If you want to stop answering, just close the survey window. No data will be collected until you click “Submit” at the end. Once you complete the survey, you cannot request to have your data removed since we are not collecting identifying information and could not determine which data is yours.
Confidentiality: All data will be stored in password-protected files on computers which are only accessible to the research team. No identifying information will be included in any publications, posters or presentations. You will have an opportunity at the end of the study to indicate whether you would like the study results emailed to you. If you choose to provide your email address, this will be stored in password-protected files on password protected computers. Only those directly involved in this research study will be able to access this information for the purposes of distributing study results in the fall of 2026.
Potential Risks and Benefits: There are minimal risks with this study. You will be asked questions about your relationship and/or partner doubts, ROCD symptoms, and your sexual well-being.. These questions could make you feel temporarily upset or uncomfortable. If you wish to seek help, free support and resources are available:
Participating may have no direct benefit for you. However, we hope to learn more about ROCD and its associations with couples’ sexual well-being.
Consent
Giving consent means that you understand the information about the study, your rights, and you agree to take part. This does not waive your legal rights. This does not release the legal and professional responsibilities of the researchers or UPEI.
You can stop taking part at any time. You have the right to all information to help you decide about answering the surveys. You have the right to ask questions about this study and your rights as a research participant before you make any decision. You may keep a copy of the dated consent form.
If you have questions about this research, please contact the researcher Ms. Bagnell at omearalab@upei.ca. You may also contact their supervisor Dr. Giraldo O’Meara at mgomeara@upei.ca. You can contact the UPEI Research Ethics Board at (902) 620-5104, or by email at researchcompliance@upei.ca if you have concerns about the ethical conduct of this study.
This project has been reviewed by the UPEI Research Ethics Board and it complies with Tri-Council guidelines for research involving human participants.
Proceeding to and submitting the questionnaires implies consent.
