Ethical Review Board (ERB) Process for The Journal of Kink and Community

At The Journal of Kink and Community, we are committed to ensuring that all research published in our journal adheres to the highest ethical standards. The Ethical Review Board (ERB) is central to this commitment. The ERB ensures that all submissions involving human participants or sensitive topics are reviewed to align with our core principles of informed consent, safety, confidentiality, non-exploitation, and community respect.

 

The ERB process is designed to protect participants, uphold ethical research practices, and support the integrity of the research community. Below, we outline the steps of the ERB process and the standards researchers are expected to meet before their work is published.

Why the ERB Matters

The ERB ensures that the research published in The Journal of Kink and Community maintains the highest ethical standards. This process is essential to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of research participants while also ensuring that research serves to advance understanding within the kink and BDSM communities. The ERB evaluates submissions for:

  • Ethical integrity: Ensuring that research respects the dignity and rights of participants.
  • Risk management: Addressing potential risks and minimizing harm to participants.
  • Community impact: Ensuring that research reflects the values and needs of the kink community and doesn’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
  • Informed consent: Verifying that participants fully understand their involvement in the study, including any potential risks and benefits.

The ERB Review Process:

Step by Step

Researchers must submit a research proposal to The Journal of Kink and Community, outlining the study’s objectives, methodology, and participant involvement. The proposal should include:

  • A clear description of the research and its purpose.
  • Informed consent procedures, including how consent will be obtained and documented from participants.
  • A confidentiality plan detailing how participant data will be protected.
  • An assessment of potential risks to participants and the strategies that will be implemented to minimize harm.
  • Any sensitive topics being addressed in the study, particularly concerning kink, BDSM, or marginalized groups.

Once the proposal is submitted, the Ethical Review Board (ERB) conducts an initial review of the research. The board comprises experts in kink ethics, human subjects research, and community engagement. During this stage, the ERB will assess the following:

  • Whether the research adheres to KPSA’s ethical standards.
  • Whether participant risks are minimized and managed appropriately.
  • Whether informed consent is explicit, comprehensive, and obtained correctly.
  • Whether the research aligns with KPSA’s values, including respect for diversity, confidentiality, and non-exploitation.

If the ERB identifies any concerns or areas for improvement, they will provide feedback and recommendations to the researcher. This may include:

  • Adjustments to the informed consent process.
  • Recommendations for additional safeguards to protect participants.
  • Requests for more clarity on how confidentiality will be maintained.
  • Suggestions for cultural sensitivity in handling the research topic, especially when working with marginalized or vulnerable groups within the kink community.

If the research requires revisions, the researcher will update the proposal based on the feedback provided by the ERB and resubmit it for further review. Once the necessary changes are made, the ERB will evaluate the revisions and determine whether the research is ethically sound.

Once the ERB is satisfied with the revisions, the research will receive final approval for publication. The researcher will then be notified that their study is ready for publication in The Journal of Kink and Community. If the ERB determines that the research does not meet ethical standards, it will not be approved for publication, and the researcher will be provided with a detailed explanation of the reasons for the decision.

Key Ethical Principles the ERB Reviews

The Role of the ERB in KPSA’s Commitment to Ethical Research

At The Journal of Kink and Community, the ERB plays an integral role in ensuring that research conducted in kink and BDSM spaces is ethically sound and aligned with our mission. By upholding high ethical standards, the ERB supports the integrity of the research community, protects participants, and ensures that kink research is taken seriously in both academic and community contexts.

We are proud to provide a platform that encourages research that is inclusive, responsible, and community-centered, while adhering to ethical principles that prioritize the well-being of all involved.

Contact the ERB

If you have questions about the Ethical Review Board Process, or if you are a researcher interested in submitting a study for review, please contact us at journal@thekpsa.org.