Dear Participant,

The purpose of this research project is to examine the characteristics of Honest but Hurtful
(HBH) messages, which are described as an evaluative message that is truthful but likely
distressing, in same-sex relationships and compare them the HBH messages in a cross-sex
relationship. This is a research project being conducted by Katie Melendes, Samuel Hushek, and
Lacy Harris at Carroll University. You are invited to participate in this research project because
you are a Carroll University undergraduate student.

Your participation in this research study is voluntary. You may choose not to participate. If you
decide to participate in this research survey, you may withdraw at any time. If you decide not to
participate in this study, or if you withdraw from participating at any time, you will not be
penalized.

The procedure involves completing a questionnaire that will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Your responses will be anonymous, therefore we do not collect identifying information such as
your name, email address or IP address. The survey questions include information about sexual
orientation and past relationships.

To help protect your anonymity, the surveys will not contain information that can personally
identify you. The results of this study will be used for scholarly purposes only.

If you have any questions about the research study, please contact Katie Melendes, Samuel
Hushek, or Lacy Harris.

Please select your choice below.

Checking agree indicates that:

you have read the above information

you voluntarily agree to participate
you are at least 18 years of age

If you do not wish to participate in the research study, please decline participation by
checking disagree and leaving the premises.
[ ] I agree to participate in this study.
[ ] I disagree to participate in this study.

Name: Date:

*The attached consent form was borrowed from SurveryMonkey.com.

 Honest but Hurtful Messages in a Romantic Relationship
Designed by: Samuel Hushek and Katie Melendes

PART I
Please check one option for each of the following questions.
1. What is your biological sex?
Biological Sex is the anatomy as a female, male, or intersex. It includes internal and
external sex organs, chromosomes, and hormones.
[ ] Male
[ ] Female
[ ] Intersex
2. What is your sexual orientation?
[ ] Heterosexual
[ ] Homosexual
3. In the past five years have you been involved in a monogamous relationship lasting for
three or more months?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
*If answered no, please continue on to part two of the survey.
4. Was the monogamous relationship (referenced in question three) with a member of the
same biological sex?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

PART II
For the following statements, circle the number that best corresponds with your feelings toward
the statement.
Please use the relationship that was referenced in Part I of the questionnaire. If you answered
No to question 3, respond to the statements in a hypothetical manner. (Ex. My partner would
appreciate an HBH message.)

*The attached consent form was borrowed from SurveryMonkey.com.

 1. It is bad to tell an Honest but Hurtful (HBH) message in a relationship.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
2. It is acceptable to tell an HBH message in a relationship.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
3. I am likely to tell an HBH message in a relationship.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
4. I am unlikely to tell an HBH message in a relationship.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
5. I tend to avoid using HBH messages when addressing my partner.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
6. I use HBH messages frequently when addressing my partner.
Frequently is defined as telling one or more HBH messages in one day.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
7. I enjoy when my partner tells me an HBH messages.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
8. I do not appreciate when my partner uses HBH messages when addressing me.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
9. I am unware when my partner is telling me an HBH message.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
10. My partner appreciates when I address him or her with an HBH message.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree
11. My partner is unappreciative when I address him or her with an HBH message.
Agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Disagree

PART III
Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Keep responses brief but
precise.
1. Do you believe that there is a benefit to addressing your partner via HBH messages?
[ ] Yes

*The attached consent form was borrowed from SurveryMonkey.com.

 [ ] No

Explain.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. Do you find comfort in the uses of HBH messages?

[ ] Yes
[ ] No
Please explain.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. Is the use of HBH messages necessary in some situations?

[ ] Yes
[ ] No
If you answered yes, please specify in what situations the use of HBH messages are
necessary. Be specific.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

PART IV
Are there any additional comments you would like to leave in regard to HBH messages that
you feel the questionnaire overlooked? Be specific.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your participation. Please place your survey in the basket located in the front
of the room.

*The attached consent form was borrowed from SurveryMonkey.com.