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Scott T, Crowley M, Long E, Balma B, Pugel J, Gay B, Day A, Noll J. Shifting the paradigm of research-to-policy impact: Infrastructure for improving researcher engagement and collective action. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38516848 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The body of scientific knowledge accumulated by the scholarly disciplines such as Developmental Psychopathology can achieve meaningful public impact if wielded and used in policy decision-making. Scientific study of how policymakers use research evidence underscores the need for researchers' policy engagement; however, barriers in the academy create conditions in which there is a need for infrastructure that increases the feasibility of researchers' partnership with policymakers. This need led to the development of the Research-to-Policy Collaboration model, a systematic approach for developing "boundary spanning" infrastructure, which has been experimentally tested and shown to improve policymakers' use of research evidence and bolster researchers' policy skills and engagement. This paper presents original research regarding the optimization of the RPC model, which sought to better serve and engage scholars across the globe. Trial findings shed light on ways to improve conditions that make good use of researchers' time for policy engagement via a virtual platform and enhanced e-communications. Future directions, implications, and practical guidelines for how scientists can engage in the political process and improve the impact of a collective discipline are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Scott
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Max Crowley
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Long
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Brandon Balma
- Department of Political Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Brittany Gay
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | - Angelique Day
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennie Noll
- Department of Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Mt. Hope Family Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Latkin C, Dayton L, Bonneau H, Bhaktaram A, Ross J, Pugel J, Latshaw MW. Perceived Barriers to Climate Change Activism Behaviors in the United States Among Individuals Highly Concerned about Climate Change. J Prev (2022) 2023; 44:389-407. [PMID: 36264403 PMCID: PMC9584242 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-022-00704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a tremendous gap between the proportion of the population expressing concern about climate change and those engaged in climate change activism. We examined barriers to climate change activism among respondents stating climate change was an important issue to them. METHODS Participants in a national online longitudinal study reported on 12 reasons for lack of involvement in climate change actions. Five months later, engagement in six climate change actions was assessed. The primary analyses focused on the 319 respondents who, out of 592 respondents who participated in both surveys, reported that the issue of global warming was extremely or very important to them. RESULTS Participants showed a range of engagement in climate change activism behaviors: 29.8% donated money to an organization to reduce climate change, 32.3% signed a petition, 69.0% voted for candidates who support measures to reduce climate change, 11.9% wrote letters, e-mailed, or phoned government officials to urge them to take action, and 9.4% volunteered with organizations working to curb climate change. The median number of barriers was 5. The most frequent reasons for lack of involvement in climate change activism were other people are better at it (57.4%), hadn't been trained (56.7%), hadn't been asked (50.8%), not knowing how to get involved (49.8%), activities like letter writing not appealing (49.8%), too busy (38.9%), organizations would ask them for money (39.8%), and not encouraged to become involved (38.2%). Several barriers were associated with engagement in climate change activism five months later. The most consistent association with activism was with talking about climate change in the prior month. CONCLUSION Most respondents cited several barriers that impeded their involvement in climate change activism. Select barriers were associated with reduced engagement in activism. Organizations that address climate change should acknowledge barriers but emphasize that individuals can engage in climate change activism regardless of barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Lauren Dayton
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Bonneau
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ananya Bhaktaram
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Julia Ross
- Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Megan Weil Latshaw
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Scott JT, Collier KM, Pugel J, O'Neill P, Long EC, Fernandes MA, Cruz K, Gay B, Giray C, Crowley DM. SciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement: a randomized controlled trial of the SCOPE model on state legislators' research use in public discourse. Implement Sci 2023; 18:12. [PMID: 37147643 PMCID: PMC10160730 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-023-01268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While prior work has revealed conditions that foster policymakers' use of research evidence, few studies have rigorously investigated the effectiveness of theory-based practices. Specifically, policymakers are most apt to use research evidence when it is timely, relevant, brief, and messaged appropriately, as well as when it facilitates interactive engagement. This study sought to experimentally evaluate an enhanced research dissemination intervention, known as the SciComm Optimizer for Policy Engagement (SCOPE), implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic among US state legislators. METHODS State legislators assigned to health committees and their staff were randomized to receive the SCOPE intervention. This involved providing academic researchers with a pathway for translating and disseminating research relevant to current legislative priorities via fact sheets emailed directly to officials. The intervention occurred April 2020-March 2021. Research language was measured in state legislators' social media posts. RESULTS Legislators randomized to receive the intervention, relative to the control group, produced 24% more social media posts containing research language related to COVID-19. Secondary analyses revealed that these findings were driven by two different types of research language. Intervention officials produced 67% more COVID-related social media posts referencing technical language (e.g., statistical methods), as well as 28% more posts that referenced research-based concepts. However, they produced 31% fewer posts that referenced creating or disseminating new knowledge. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that strategic, targeted science communication efforts may have the potential to change state legislators' public discourse and use of evidence. Strategic science communication efforts are particularly needed in light of the role government officials have played in communicating about the pandemic to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Taylor Scott
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA.
| | | | - Jessica Pugel
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
| | - Patrick O'Neill
- Psychology Department, Teachers College at Columbia University, New York City, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Long
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
| | - Mary A Fernandes
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Katherine Cruz
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Brittany Gay
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
| | - Cagla Giray
- Center for Health Security, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - D Max Crowley
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, USA
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Record RA, Greiner LH, Wipfli H, Strickland J, Owens J, Pugel J, Matt GE. Evaluation of a Social Media Campaign Designed to Increase Awareness of Thirdhand Smoke among California Adults. Health Commun 2023; 38:437-446. [PMID: 34320896 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1954760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite a growing body of research outlining the harms of thirdhand smoke (THS), the public remains generally unaware of risks and exposure routes. This project built on past tobacco prevention campaigns and the tenants of McGuire's input-output model to implement and evaluate a seven-month Facebook-disseminated campaign seeking to improve THS awareness among California adults (n = 1087). Multilinear regression showed that THS-related knowledge (χ2[6] = 19.31, p < .01), attitude (χ2[6] = 13.88, p < .05), and efficacy (χ2[6] = 13.81, p < .05) significantly increased by the campaign's end, with messages highlighting children's health (r = .110, p < .05), pets (r = .145, p < .01), and dust reservoirs (r = .144, p < .01) as the most persuasive. Path analysis modeling found campaign recall to be associated with changes in knowledge (β = .161, p < .01), which predicated attitude change (β = .614, p < .001) and, in turn, behavior change (β = .149, p < .05). Findings suggest social media campaigns should continue to educate diverse populations about new tobacco risks and that tobacco control advocates should consider integrating educational THS messages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heather Wipfli
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | | | - James Owens
- School of Communication, San Diego State University
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Georg E Matt
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
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Long EC, Scott JT, Craig LE, Prendergast S, Pugel J, Crowley DM. How substance use prevention research gets used in United States federal policy. Addiction 2022; 117:2235-2241. [PMID: 35293062 DOI: 10.1111/add.15874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The growing body of research evidence on substance use and substance use disorder (SU/SUD) prevention could be leveraged to strengthen the intended impact of policies that address SU/SUD. The aim of the present study was to explore how research was used in United States federal legislation that emphasized SU/SUD prevention. DESIGN Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed whether the use of research predicted a bill's legislative progress. We randomly sampled 10 bills that represented different types of research keywords to examine how research was used in these bills, applying content analysis. SETTING United States Congress. PARTICIPANTS/CASES Federal legislation introduced between the 101st and the 114th Congresses (1989-2017; n = 1866). MEASUREMENTS The quantitative outcome measures were bills' likelihood of passing out of committee and being enacted. Qualitative outcomes included the ways research was used in legislation. FINDINGS Bills that used any research language were 2.2 times more likely to pass out of committee (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.75, 2.72) and 82% more likely to be enacted (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.23, 2.69) than bills not using research language. Bills using dissemination words were 57% more likely to pass out of committee (OR = 1.57; CI, 1.08, 2.28) and analysis words were 93% more likely (OR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.51, 2.47) than bills not using dissemination or analysis words. Research was used to (i) define the problem to justify legislative action, (ii) address the problem by providing funding, and (iii) address the problem through industry regulations. However, there was a lack of research use that targets underlying risk and protective factors. CONCLUSIONS In the US Congress, substance use and substance use disorder prevention bills that use research language appear to be more likely to progress in the legislative cycle than bills that do not, suggesting that legislation using research may be viewed as more credible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Long
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Taylor Scott
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Logan E Craig
- The Well-Being Lab, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Prendergast
- Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population, Urban Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Max Crowley
- Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Pugel J, Long EC, Fernandes M, Cruz K, Giray C, Crowley DM, Scott T. Who is listening? Profiles of policymaker engagement with scientific communication. Policy Internet 2022; 14:186-201. [PMID: 35757292 PMCID: PMC9216211 DOI: 10.1002/poi3.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pugel
- Pennsylvania State University, United States of America
| | | | | | - Katherine Cruz
- Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cagla Giray
- Pennsylvania State University, United States of America
| | - D Max Crowley
- Pennsylvania State University, United States of America
| | - Taylor Scott
- Pennsylvania State University, United States of America
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Record RA, Greiner LH, Wipfli H, Pugel J, Matt GE. Thirdhand Smoke Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior: Development of Reliable and Valid Self-report Measures. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:141-145. [PMID: 34165559 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study sought to provide essential tobacco control tools by testing the reliability and validity of new self-report scales developed to assess thirdhand smoke (THS) (ie, toxic tobacco residue) related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB). AIMS AND METHODS Items for the KAB scales were adapted from established secondhand smoke (SHS) measures, reviewed to support face validity, and tested in a longitudinal online survey evaluating THS health messages. Participants were California adults at risk of THS exposure. For 7 months, the three KAB scales were completed monthly, and data from the first (n = 1086), third (n = 315), and seventh (n = 301) month surveys were used in these analyses. RESULTS All three scales demonstrated consistent reliability and single-factor loading at all three timepoints for knowledge (αrange: .87-.90), attitude (αrange: .84-.87), and behavior (αrange: .80-.86). Similarly, analyses supported scale convergent validity (scale correlations rrange: .45-.85; all p values <.001), discriminant validity between smokers and nonsmokers (knowledge Cohen's drange: .57-.61, all p values <.001; attitude Cohen's drange: .78-.82, all p values <.001; behavior Cohen's drange: .90-.99, all p values <.001), and predictive validity (range R2KAB: .41-.48; all p values <.001). CONCLUSIONS KAB scales about THS provide new opportunities for tobacco control advocates and scholars to identify gaps in knowledge, misperceptions, and obstacles to behavior change in order to guide the design of novel tobacco control policies and interventions. IMPLICATIONS Numerous scales have been vetted as reliable and valid measures for assessing SHS-related KABs. Currently, standard measures of THS KABs are not available. This study tested three THS scales to fill this gap. The present findings provide tobacco control advocates, scholars, and practitioners tools for assessing KABs related to THS. This information is critical to development, implementation, and evaluation of novel tobacco control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Record
- School of Communication, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lydia H Greiner
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Heather Wipfli
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Georg E Matt
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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Long EC, Pugel J, Scott JT, Charlot N, Giray C, Fernandes MA, Crowley DM. Rapid-Cycle Experimentation With State and Federal Policymakers for Optimizing the Reach of Racial Equity Research. Am J Public Health 2021; 111:1768-1771. [PMID: 34499535 PMCID: PMC8522578 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Racial disparities and racism are pervasive public health threats that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, it is critical and timely for researchers to communicate with policymakers about strategies for reducing disparities. From April through July 2020, across four rapid-cycle trials disseminating scientific products with evidence-based policy recommendations for addressing disparities, we tested strategies for optimizing the reach of scientific messages to policymakers. By getting such research into the hands of policymakers who can act on it, this work can help combat racial health disparities.(Am J Public Health. 2021;111(10):1768-1771. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306404).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Long
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Jessica Pugel
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - J Taylor Scott
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Nicolyn Charlot
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Cagla Giray
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Mary A Fernandes
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - D Max Crowley
- Elizabeth C. Long, Taylor Scott, Cagla Giray, and D. Max Crowley are with the Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative, Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Jessica Pugel is with the Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA. Nicolyn Charlot is with the Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON. Mary A. Fernandes is with the Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta
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