Pathways for Public Impact: Utilizing Engaged Scholarship for Translating Systemic Family Therapy Research to Policy...

Area of Science:

• Family Therapy Research
• Public Health Policy
• Community Psychology

Background:

• Systemic family therapy research programs aim to influence policy and practice for equitable service access.
• Culturally diverse communities in the USA, South Asia, and East Africa are focus areas.
• Programs address underserved communities, global mental healthcare, and LGBTQ youth family therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe systemic family therapy research programs influencing policy and practice.
• To highlight culturally responsive and engaged training approaches.
• To showcase the impact of engaged scholarship on policy and practice.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing engaged scholarship as a guiding paradigm.
• Describing academic journeys of engaged family therapy scholars.
• Focusing on the integration of research with policy and practice.

Main Results:

• Three research programs demonstrate the impact of engaged scholarship.
• Successful implementation of culturally responsive training in diverse settings.
• Evidence of influencing government policies and institutional practices.

Conclusions:

• Centering community voices is crucial for impactful research.
• Research questions should be formulated for direct community impact.
• Public scholarship must be produced and rewarded; humility is essential for engaged scholars.