A first look at diversity gaps in psychotherapy research publications and representation

Abstract

Objective: There is a pervasive underrepresentation of researchers and clinicians from diverse backgrounds in psychology. This is the first study to focus on diversity gaps in Psychotherapy Research. We examine a gap in the representation of research from low-income countries and summarize barriers and solutions to increase diversity in the field.

Method: We examined trends in submission, acceptance, and rejection rates of all submissions (n = 7183) from 75 countries, representing eight geographical regions to Psychotherapy Research, between 28 April 2005 and 22 June 2023.

Results: Most submissions were from Europe and North America, with the fewest from Africa and Asia/Northeast Asia. High-income countries had significantly more submissions than low-income countries, with gaps increasing over time. North America and Europe had the highest acceptance rates and Africa and Asia/Southeast Asia had the lowest rates.

Conclusion: Psychotherapy Research is one of the most internationally representative journals in the field. Yet, we found underrepresentation of non-western countries. There is a need to increase the representation of research participants and researchers from non-western countries through direct initiatives and investments in research and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Keywords: antiracism; disparities; diversity; international.