high school students
By School of Behavioral Health - December 14, 2021

Dr. Nichola Ribadu and DMFT candidate Melody Ezpeleta from the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences at Loma Linda University are seeking individuals who would like to participate in a research study to further understand the experience of high school students and their mental health while attending Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) academies. This research study aims to capture experiences from a variety of perspectives and to assess for the resources and supports that would benefit this population. The rationale for this study is to gain knowledge of the observed or encountered mental health conditions of high school students in SDA academies, how it is being attended to, and what is needed to better support the mental health of these students.  

The research team is looking for individuals who fit the following criteria to participate as alumni of SDA academies:

  • You will need to have graduated and/or attended an SDA academy within grades 9-12 under one of the conferences in the Pacific Union of the NADOE within the last four years
  • You will need to have attended the SDA academy for at least one academic year within grades 9-12 (No online-specific academies please). 
  • You are no longer a student in any SDA academy (or another high school).
  • You must be 18-75 years old. 

Participation will involve answering several eligibility questions, providing demographic information, and completing a series of survey questions. This survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete and it is also anonymous.

Within the survey link below, you will be given the opportunity to provide your name and email address through a separate survey link and be entered into a drawing for a chance to receive a $25 e-gift card of your choice (Amazon or Target). Your name and email address will not be connected to your survey responses.
  
If you believe you meet the criteria, you can participate by clicking the survey link below where you will be directed to another website in which the study is hosted. Your participation is entirely voluntary and therefore, you may opt out of the study at any point by closing your browser window. Although there are minimal risks, some may experience discomfort, the experience of triggers, or psychological distress when answering some of the questions from the online survey. 

The research team thanks you for your time and consideration to participate in this study. Your perspective is valuable in guiding the direction and steps that may need to take place to address the mental health of students in SDA academies. 

If you have any questions about this study, please contact Melody Ezpeleta at mezpeleta@students.llu.edu or Dr. Nichola Ribadu at nribadu@llu.edu. This research has been approved by Loma Linda University's Institutional Review Board. IRB Protocol Number: 5200415.

Survey Link

https://llu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efi5HvW9fZxqW58