Psychology Trainees’ and Professionals’ Perceived Importance of and Engagement in Advocacy for Marginalized Groups

The recent sociopolitical climate necessitates psychology professionals advocating for their clients under a social justice framework. However, research on the prevalence of advocacy by psychology trainees and professionals for marginalized groups (e.g., people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual+ individuals, and unhoused individuals) and causes (e.g., police-community relations, and criminal justice reform) is sparse. Data for the present study were gathered as part of a larger research project conducted in 2018. A total of 165 participants began the survey, with only 104 completing all questions. The study aimed to understand psychology trainees’ and professionals’ attitude toward advocacy for others, frequency and type of advocacy behaviors that they engage in, and potential barriers to advocacy work. Results showed a large discrepancy between participants’ highly self-reported beliefs in the importance of advocacy and low actual engagement in advocacy behaviors. Contrary to the original hypotheses, barriers to advocacy were not the most salient predictors of lack of engagement in advocacy; instead, it appears that a less positive attitude toward advocacy and conservative political affiliation may play more of an integral role. Implications for remedying this discrepancy among psychology trainees and professionals are discussed (e.g., training), as well as strengths and limitations of the present study.