“I Wouldn’t Trust the Parents To ‘Do No Harm’ To a Queer Kid”: Rethinking Parental Permission Requirements for Youth Participation in Social Science Research

Abstract

Obtaining parental consent for youth to participate in research is a standard requirement in the United States. However, the assumption that involving parents is the best way to protect youth research participants is untenable for some populations. This study draws on interviews with 19 LGBTQ+ mixed-race participants to examine lay views of parental consent requirements for LGBTQ+ youth research participants. Qualitative data analysis found concerns about potentially outing LGBTQ+ youth to intolerant parents. Interviewees also asserted that adolescents aged 16 and older are competent enough and should have the autonomy to consent themselves. Finally, interviewees raised several methodological concerns regarding the biased research that may result from parental consent requirements. We agree with others that U.S. Institutional Review Boards should end uncritical requirements for parental consent for older adolescents and should routinize the use and study of alternative protective measures.

Adolescent dropout from brief digital mental health interventions within and beyond randomized trials

“…This finding aligns with previous research demonstrating that adolescents with sexual and gender minority identities report positive attitudes towards brief online mental health interventions ( McDanal et al, 2021 ). This result is encouraging, given the barriers to traditional (face-to-face) mental health treatment that TGD and LGBQ+ adolescents often face ( Cwinn et al, 2021 ; Sims and Nolen, 2021 ; Gridley et al, 2016 ; Rees et al, 2021 ; White and Fontenot, 2019 ; Williams and Chapman, 2011 ).…”

Canadian School Psychology and Indigenous Peoples: Opportunities and Recommendations

“…By pathologizing a child's sexual or gender identity, it communicates that the identity itself is a problem, furthering homophobic or transphobic stigma. School psychologists should ensure that children are aware of the limits of confidentiality (including in relationship to parents or guardians) to avoid outing identities to those that they prefer not to know for the sake of the child's safety (Sims & Nolen, 2021).…”

Ethical issues in participatory arts methods for young people with adverse childhood experiences

“…87 It is important to note, however, that relationships with parents may be strained or absent for young people with past trauma or ACEs, 88 and there is evidence that requiring active parental consent may limit the participation of adolescents with self‐reported adverse outcomes. 89 Parental involvement can limit participation of LGBTQ+ youth in gender and sexual health studies, particularly those who hold negative self‐views or lack family support, 90 , 91 , 92 and the participation of youth in digital mental health intervention research. 93 …”