Within Group Ethnic Diversity in Latinx Psychological Research: A Publication Analysis

Abstract

Based on a population-representation approach using census data we explored the breadth of research in the Journal of Latinx Psychology (N = 154) and Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences (N = 94) with respect to distribution across states and nationality background of the Latinx’ samples. Over 90% of the empirical studies are based on Latinx samples within the US. Out of those, only 60% provided information specific enough to identify the ethnic background of the sample beyond Hispanic/Latinx or other vague descriptors (e.g., “multiethnic”). With 80% of the samples, Mexicans are overrepresented compared to the population statistics of (documented) Latinx in the US. Findings also reveal an overrepresentation of the Southwest region compared to the overall distribution of Latinx across the US. It is suggested that Latinx journals take a more active role in fostering publications of Latinx subpopulations which are often clustered in regions other than the Southwest.