Review of participatory research assent procedures in school psychology

In the realm of psychology and related fields, like school psychology, obtaining informed consent from clients or participants who are 18 years old or older is mandatory for researchers. However, if the individuals are below 18 years old or under a conservatorship, their assent is crucial even if their parent or legal guardian has provided formal consent. Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of assent during research, there is a lack of research and guidelines on how to obtain it effectively. To bridge this gap, we conducted a review and created a summary of research published in school psychology journals on gaining assent during research studies. The articles were categorized based on the experimental design, population, and level of assent described. Our findings offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on gaining assent in school psychology, which will enhance transparency in research methods. Given the findings that only a small percentage of reviewed articles provided a detailed account of how assent was obtained from children and adolescent participants, it is crucial for practitioners in school psychology research to prioritize and transparently document their assent procedures.While the current review did not identify novel methods for obtaining assent in school psychology research, practitioners should consider looking to related fields for potentially innovative approaches. Engaging participants in a way that enhances their understanding and buy-in can lead to more accurate and valid research outcomes.Researchers and practitioners in school psychology should advocate for clear reporting standards regarding assent procedures in publications. Providing detailed information about the assent process should be seen as essential to ethical research, and authors and journal editors should consider the value of including this information in their manuscripts.

Automated summary

In the fields of psychology and school psychology, obtaining informed consent is mandatory when dealing with clients or participants who are 18 years old or older. Even if individuals are below 18 years old or under conservatorship, their assent is crucial. However, there is a lack of research and guidelines on how to effectively obtain assent.