Stigmatizing Our Own: Self-Relevant Research (Me-Search) Is Common but Frowned Upon in Clinical Psychological Science

Abstract

How often do clinical psychologists have a lived experience with, or close connection, to their research? Does the field of psychology accept this “me-search”? We undertook the first investigation of self-relevant research (aka “me-search”) and attitudes toward self-relevant researchers in a representative North American sample ( N = 1,776) of faculty, graduate students, and other individuals affiliated with doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology. More than 50% of participants had conducted self-relevant research, and those from minoritized backgrounds were more likely to conduct self-relevant research. When judging experimentally manipulated vignettes, participants who had not engaged in self-relevant research made more stigmatizing judgments of self-relevant research and self-relevant research disclosure than did those who engaged in self-relevant research. Psychologists and trainees had more negative attitudes toward self-relevant research on mental health topics (suicide, depression, schizophrenia) than physical health topics (cancer). We discuss how prejudice toward self-relevant research and mental illness negatively impacts ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts from within clinical psychological science.

Sexual orientation and gender diversity research manuscript writing guide.

“…For example, as SOGD researchers, we may often have to justify our positionality in relation to our field of study, which may mean thinking through the potential consequences (both positive and negative) of publicly disclosing identities (Veldhuis, 2022). We may also feel more pressure to publish at high volumes and in higher-impact journals, given two factors: (a) the marginalization of ourselves and our research and (b) the work of people who do research among their own communities is often minimized and considered to be “me-search” and not “real science” (Bowleg, 2021; Devendorf, 2022; Devendorf et al, 2023; Gardner et al, 2017; Harris, 2021; Heath, 2015). This is likely to feel different depending on whether and how we identify within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.…”

Religion Matters (And Doesn't Go Away When Sociologists Ignore It)

“…But an actual personal attachment to religion is not necessary to be perceived as having one. Studies show we tend to assume people are engaging in some sort of "me-search" (Devendorf et al 2023), and thus, whether someone is religious or not, studying religion may imply as much.…”

“…Studies show we tend to assume people are engaging in some sort of “me‐search” (Devendorf et al. 2023), and thus, whether someone is religious or not, studying religion may imply as much.…”