Interventions to Reduce Racial Bias and Discrimination in the United States: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective: This scoping review examines the methods used in studies of antiracism interventions in the United States during 2014–2021. Method: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we used a systematic search and review process to identify, screen, and summarize research on individual-level interventions intended to reduce racial bias and discrimination. Results: The search recovered 1,928 citations. After screening, 17 articles were retained for a full-text review. Of those, 9 studies used a pre- and post-intervention design without a comparison or control group, 5 used a comparison group, 1 used a randomized control group, and 2 used a single-group posttest-only approach. Except for one study with 8,634 participants, samples ranged from 20 to 721 participants (M = 112, SD = 164.8). Eleven studies used reliable/valid instruments to measure racial bias and discrimination. Thirteen studies explicitly stated theoretical models used in intervention development. Conclusions: Based on features of the 17 interventions, participants and sampling methods, analytical methods, guiding theories, and effectiveness, we recommend (a) use of more rigorous designs to enhance internal validity and (b) use of advanced analytic techniques to control selection bias. If implemented, these recommendations would substantially strengthen research on individual-level interventions designed to reduce racial bias and discrimination.