This paper examines the sample diversity and reporting practices in 1,762 studies published in 8 mainstream psychology and relationships journals at two timepoints—(1) 1996–2000 and (2) 2016–2020—and centers on five focal sample characteristics: gender, sexual orientation, regional context, socioeconomic status, and race. The paper finds that reporting practices and representation have not improved for some core demographic characteristics (e.g., socioeconomic status) and that even in domains for which reporting practices have improved (e.g., sexual orientation), reporting remains limited. Further, the paper highlights reporting practices and offers recommendations for cultivating a more representative and inclusive discipline.
McGorray, E. L., Emery, L. F., Garr-Schultz, A., & Finkel, E. J. (in press). “Mostly White, heterosexual couples”: Examining demographic diversity and reporting practices in relationship science research samples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.