Reducing mental health disparities among racially and ethnically diverse populations: A review of couple and family intervention research methods (2010–2019)

Abstract

Racially and ethnically diverse and globally underserved populations continue to experience mental health disparities. The goal of this review was to examine the extent to which diverse populations were included in couple and family intervention research over the past decade and whether these studies were conducted with attention to issues of diversity. We performed a review of 271 articles reviewed in the current special issue on the efficacy and effectiveness of couple and family interventions across 11 mental health topics. Overall, only 68 of the 271 (25%) articles included predominately racial/ethnic minority samples or globally underserved populations. Among articles (n = 60) describing US-based research with racial/ ethnic minority samples, there was a pattern of inattention to methodological considerations relevant to diverse populations. Although some progress was noted, more research is necessary. Specifically, we call for research that advances social justice by using critically conscious methods to promote mental health equity.

The acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief, online parenting program: Expanding access to Evidence‐Based parenting intervention content

“…In this paper, we describe our processes of topic selection, video production, and website development with the goal of supporting such future efforts. We also refer scholars to the work of Dwanyen et al (2022), which highlights important methodological considerations for family based intervention research with racial and ethnic minoritized families that can guide future efforts to develop, adapt, and evaluate such interventions. Moreover, it is important for scholars to consider the role of structural interventions (e.g., increased access to broadband internet) in increasing access to online health promotion efforts (Parenteau et al, 2022).…”

The impact of a parent‐based prevention intervention on Mexican‐descent youths' perceptions of harm associated with drug use: Differential intervention effects for male and female youths

“…This reality resembles the findings of a recent effectiveness review of efficacious couple and family interventions (Wittenborn & Holtrop, 2022). According to this review, despite scientific advancements associated with family interventions in the last decade, “this body of research continues to lack prominent and purposeful inclusion of racially and ethnically diverse participants” (Dwanyen et al, 2022, p. 361).…”

The impact of couple and family interventions

“…For the first time as well, the issue includes a consideration of research assessing relationship education (Markman et al, 2022). The special issue also includes a much-needed consideration of the problems in the representativeness of the diversity of clients in outcome research and the importance of reducing disparities in mental health treatment in ethnically diverse populations (Dwanyen et al, 2022).…”