Clinical Psychology Student Perspectives on Graduate Training in Community-Engaged Research Methods

Community-engaged research (CEnR) encourages academic researchers to cultivate partnerships with nonacademic experts to address an issue, making it well-positioned to advance the inclusivity, equity, and social impact of scientific work. Despite the documented benefits of CEnR, it is underutilized in clinical psychology. One way to expand the use of CEnR in the field is to increase its visibility in graduate programs. A first step toward this effort is to better understand CEnR-oriented clinical psychology graduate training offerings, as well as needs and goals of trainees. We surveyed 156 self-identified graduate students enrolled in a PhD or PsyD clinical psychology program in 2022. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed CEnR-related student engagement, perspectives, and needs and goals. Overall, students reported limited engagement with CEnR. Most students indicated that they would like to pursue more CEnR-related projects, but they are prevented from doing so because their program does not provide needed training. Additionally, surveyed students highlighted that they perceive themselves as valuing CEnR more than their programs. Based on student-provided qualitative data, we offer actionable strategies that decision-makers can use to support programs in more readily infusing CEnR into their training curricula. CEnR is positioned to enhance the process and impact of clinical psychological science. In this study, graduate students highlighted the potential value of enhancing the visibility of CEnR in clinical psychology graduate programs, with the ultimate goal of supporting the next generation of clinical psychologists in pursuing equitable, inclusive, and socially just endeavors.