(PS13-C54) Utility of Community-based Strategies for Increasing Research Engagement Among Minoritized Ethnoracial Groups: A Conceptual Examination

The underrepresentation of minoritized ethnoracial groups in clinical research is a commonly cited limitation of research findings. Reasons for this lower representation include both sociocultural and methodological issues. The consequences of lower rates of participation expand beyond treatment generalizability to include the perpetuation of cultural mistrust and stigma as well as the lack of understanding of how mental health issues are understood and conceptualized by these populations. In order to improve research of and for underserved groups, this paper conceptually examined the need for and utility of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches for increasing rates of engagement in psychological research among underserved minoritized ethnoracial groups. CBPR approaches, which seek to equally involve researchers, community members, and stakeholders in the research process, have been demonstrated to academically inform better practices while increasing community knowledge and capacity regarding health and mental-health related issues. The literature was searched for relevant studies examining rates of research engagement by minoritized ethnoracial groups, significant factors impeding this research engagement, and the consequences of this lack of research engagement on mental health outcomes. Key features of CBPR designs and programs were additionally examined alongside a case study example of successful CBPR implementation in a mental health research context. Limitations and future directions of CBPR are similarly discussed. Overall, the use of such CBPR approaches have been documented to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma towards mental health research and treatment, and build the professional research capacity and efficacy of community partners, particularly among minoritized ethnoracial groups.