RESEARCH SURVEY OPPORTUNITIES
Graphic shows question marks on each side of 3 speech bubbles that state, "Your Voice Matters!" with 3 emojis; a red sad face, a yellow neutral face and a green smiling face.
NAAFA is introducing RESEARCH SURVEY OPPORTUNITIES, a new monthly feature in the NAAFA Newsletter and on the NAAFA Community Voices Blog,.
The purpose of this feature is to share the opportunity to participate in surveys or studies that directly affect fat community. These research participation opportunities have been presented to NAAFA for possible sharing by the individuals or organizations that are leading the research. They were not created by nor are they sponsored by NAAFA.
We do our best to vet each opportunity and to ensure that the researchers are fat positive or weight neutral in their approach, as well as to ensure that each research opportunity is being conducted ethically and that you are being advised of any potential risks. However, these research opportunities are not sponsored by NAAFA and your participation is at your own risk. All questions should be directed to the contact person listed in the announcement.
We encourage you to participate as you see fit and help to make the needs of fat community better understood and heard.
Survey Title: Experience Using Public Transportation
Who should participate? All fat/larger-bodied people that utilize public transportation (i.e., buses, shuttles, trains, water ferries, commuter buses, aerial tramways/cable cars)
Submission period: 7/10/22 - Extended to 8/15/22
Graphic shows 2 speech bubbles and 3 stars above a depiction of a cell phone text screen. On the left, it states, “Transit Survey; In partnership with NAAFA; Share your perspective and experiences on public transit to help improve the customer experience.” Beneath that is a QR code to the survey along with the URL surveymonkey.com/r/YourTransitExperience. At the bottom is a wavy blue bar.
Purpose of the survey: A group of leaders in the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) are conducting research for transit industry CEOs and Administrators to improve customer experience for fat and larger bodied people. The team wants to gain perspective from your experiences and interactions on-board public transit to make a compelling case for transit CEOs to make intentional changes to system/facility design and employee training. We want the experience to be an inclusive, safe, and an accepting environment where fat and larger bodied people are valued.
Link to survey: surveymonkey.com/r/YourTransitExperience
Who to contact with questions: Nicholas Sofoul, AICP (he/him/his), Transit Planning Administrator at nsofoul@gmail.com.
Survey Title: Kent State Fat Identity and Community Well-Being Survey
Who should participate? All larger-bodied people
Submission period: Now through 8/31/22
Graphic states, “Do you identify as fat or part of the fat community? and shows 3 fat people on the left and a string of paper dolls on the right. Beneath reads, “Researchers from Kent State University are conducting a study on the development of fat identity and the role of community in well-being!” Below that, on the left, is a QR code to the survey. On the right states, “Study participants may elect to be entered into a lottery for one of seven $75 gift cards at the end. See if you're eligible by clicking on the link below. https://kent.qualtrics.come/jfe/form/SV_8vxKGaY7zso2AdM”
Purpose of the survey: Social identities are important in preventing negative psychological and physical effects of stigma and discrimination, but little is known about the development of social identity among people with high weight. This study will explore how personal experiences impact identity formation as people with high weight (i.e., fat identity). Participants will complete questionnaires about their experiences with weight, beliefs about weight, and their attitudes towards weight. It is expected that the younger someone was when they first became fat and the longer they have been fat will be associated with beliefs that weight is uncontrollable and increased association with fat peers. Thus, these experiences are expected to be associated with increased fat identity and better outcomes.
Link to survey: https://kent.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8vxKGaY7zso2AdM
Who to contact with questions: Karen Wetzel, Kent State University Graduate Student, Psychological Sciences at kwetzel9@kent.edu
Survey Title: Care Rationing Survey
Who should participate? If you, or someone you know, was denied care during COVID due to care rationing, or due to perceptions about limited medical resources, please take this survey to share your story.
If you are a medical professional who witnessed or participated in care rationing, please take this survey.
If you, or someone you know, were almost denied care and you want to share what happened, please take this survey. We will use the statistics and stories to help advocate for access to treatment for people at risk of discrimination.
Submission period: NOW (Ongoing)
Graphic shows a drawing of a masked Black femme medical worker with a chart in their hands, along with depictions of the COVID-19 virus. The meme reads, "COVID Care Rationing Survey" at the top. Below states, "This survey was created to help gather the stories of people who are having trouble getting medical care during COVID. Stories will be shared to create awareness and support advocacy. Respondents can choose to share anonymously. More info and surveys in English and Spanish available here: flareproject.org/rationingsurvey". The FLARE (Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights & Education) Project logo along with the #NoBodyIsDisposable logo (nobodyisdisposible.org) are displayed at the bottom right.
Purpose of the survey: During emergencies like the COVID pandemic, when hospitals are overwhelmed with the number of people needing help, they turn to “care rationing.” Care rationing means medical providers limit the types of care they provide to certain people.
Sometimes care rationing means that people will be denied life-saving care and instead will only receive care to help them be more comfortable. When care rationing happens on the basis of certain characteristics, it can be unlawful or wrong. Because COVID precautions often mean patients are without their usual support systems, care rationing can happen behind closed doors without input from family members, friends, support workers, or community. It is important to share stories of discrimination so that all people receive fair treatment.
Link to survey: flareproject.org/rationingsurvey/ (Available in English and Spanish)
Who to contact with questions: Contact F.L.A.R.E. through their contact form at flareproject.org/home/contact/