Parent-Led Bias Reduction Training for Children's Racial Bias
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a program designed to help parents address racial biases in their young children. It examines whether training and specific tools can effectively reduce racial biases in White families. The trial tests three approaches: a narrated training (EmBARK), reading popular articles (Popular guidance), and practicing discussions with children (Practice first). Families with children aged 5 to 8 who are non-Hispanic White and speak English fluently may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers families the chance to contribute to important research on reducing racial biases in children.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this program is safe for children?
Research has shown that the EmBARK program helps parents discuss racial issues with their children safely. One study found that families engaged well with the program, and no negative effects were reported. The "Popular guidance" approach is also safe, with no specific safety issues reported. It is designed to be both informative and engaging. The "Practice first" method uses animal stories to gently initiate conversations about race and has not been linked to any safety concerns. All these methods aim to educate and empower families, with no known safety risks according to current research.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Parent-Led Bias Reduction Training because it takes a unique approach to addressing children's racial biases through engaging parenting strategies. Unlike traditional educational methods that might focus solely on classroom-based learning, this approach involves parents directly through interactive training programs, reading, and discussion activities. The EmBARK program, for instance, provides a narrated training experience, while the Popular Guidance arm uses popular press articles, both aiming to spark meaningful conversations about race between parents and children. Additionally, the Practice First strategy introduces parents to discussing books about animals first, easing them into more complex discussions about race. This trial aims to explore how these different methods can foster more inclusive attitudes in children from an early age.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing children's racial biases?
Research has shown that the EmBARK program, a treatment arm in this trial, helps White parents discuss racial biases with their young children. Studies have found that it boosts parents' confidence and concern in addressing these issues. In the Popular Guidance approach, another treatment arm, guided talks between parents and children can reduce subtle racism, with noticeable drops in bias scores. However, evidence supporting this method remains limited. Lastly, the Practice First strategy, also part of this trial, involves training to recognize individual faces, which can lower hidden racial bias. Still, evidence on the effectiveness of parental interventions in reducing children's biases is limited.12367
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for non-Hispanic White families with children aged 5 to almost 8 years old. Parents must be over 18 and both parent and child should only identify as White, without any other racial or ethnic identity. They also need to speak English well.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training and Intervention
Parents receive training and tools for addressing their children's racial biases, including narrated programs and reading books focused on race.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in self-efficacy, concern about bias, intergroup liking, diversity preference, and other measures.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- EmBARK
- Popular guidance
- Practice first
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator