Participant diversity in ACER: 2010–2022

Abstract

BackgroundIncreasing diversity has become a priority for all fields working with human subjects due to historic exclusions and misrepresentations of participants with minoritized identities. To create a more representative and generalizable science of alcohol use, the Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) and its official journal, Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER), have increasingly incorporated diversity and inclusion into their posted values and programming.MethodsWe analyzed the content of articles published in ACER from 2010 through 2022 (6 years before and after the formation of RSA's Diversity Committee) to assess the reporting of participants' demographic information and whether there has been increased inclusion of diverse samples in alcohol research over time. Our team screened 3292 abstracts for data extraction; studies were included if they were primary analyses of data collected from human subjects (n = 1043).ResultsReporting of all demographic variables increased over time, with significant increases in reporting for race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status (SES), income, and educational attainment. Demographic variables were also increasingly used in analyses. However, representation of research outside the United States diminished significantly over time.ConclusionsWe provide recommended journal article reporting standards for ACER to continue the positive progress in reporting demographics in alcohol research and facilitate meta‐analyses examining demographic modulation and the impact of social determinants of health.

The need for persistent and expansive efforts to advance diversity in alcohol research

“…Alternatively, treatment fidelity and effectiveness can be supported with discussions of any relevant interaction effects pertaining to sample characteristics with regard to study outcomes. Unfortunately, between 2010 and 2022, only 3% of studies in ACER examined demographic characteristics as potential moderators (Kissel et al, 2024).…”

“…In addition, researchers who share similar social identities are likely to collaborate and review work from others who share their identities more favorably. Although homophily has been characterized as a potential source of bias in research projects and peer review (as cited by Kissel et al, 2024), it may also drive innovative work within diverse communities. Given this, it is essential to facilitate the recruitment and retention of alcohol researchers from diverse backgrounds while, at the same time, establishing safeguards to limit potential sources of bias in the research process.…”

“…Given findings from Kissel et al (2024) that suggest an increase in US-based samples in ACER, explicit campaigns and meeting/schedules venues that provide dedicated opportunities for international alcohol researchers to more fully engage in RSA annual meeting and ongoing activities is invaluable. Not only do international researchers provide unique perspectives, skillsets and interpretations of the data but also they facilitate access to diverse populations, enhancing knowledge and theory derived from samples that are not Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD), and largely White.…”