Dr Daryl Higgins is a Lecturer/Researcher in the School of Psychology, Deakin University.  He is inviting men to participate in a research study to find out more about the experiences of men who are attracted to other men, and who are currently married to a woman, or who have separated or divorced within the last 10 years. The aim of the project is to gather qualitative data from interviews with these men about their feelings, attitudes, behaviours, and experiences.

The men are asked to participate in an in-depth interview concerning their experiences of marriage to a woman. The interview will be tape-recorded, and responses will later be transcribed. However, they are asked to make up a name (a pseudonym) to be used during the interview, to ensure your anonymity. 

They are asked to identify their current marital status, and whether they have children. A number of different themes will be explored in the interview. For example, they'll be asked questions such as “How do you currently describe your sexual identity? Do you identify with the label ‘gay’, ‘bisexual’, or any other label?” or “Please describe any memories you have of sexual experiences during childhood.” Other themes to be explored are: attitudes and beliefs about marriage and homosexuality, ‘coming out’ experiences and responses of others, past and current sexual behaviours, reasons for marriage/marriage breakdown, and health issues. The interview will last for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.

The information requested in the interview is personal, concerning current attitudes and behaviours, as well as private family life, sexual experiences, and experiences as a child. They will be asked about both positive and negative experiences. They may feel uncomfortable being asked these sorts of personal questions; however, the only identifying information about them will be the pseudonym. Any information that could identify them will be changed when results of the interview are reported. Therefore, the confidentiality of responses is guaranteed.

The tape recordings and transcripts of the interview will be marked with a pseudonym, and in accordance with Deakin University guidelines will be stored in a locked filing cabinet for at least 6 years before being destroyed. Access to the original data will only be restricted to the researcher, and the research assistant(s) I employ.

Participation in the study is completely voluntary, and participants can withdraw at any time and without adverse consequences. If participants experience any discomfort during the interview, interviewing will cease. People wanting to discuss any issues raised in the interview, or if you would like to receive some general feedback on the results of the study when it is completed, please contact Dr Daryl Higgins on (03) 5227 2924 or by email dhiggins@deakin.edu.au.