A Systematic Review of the Use of the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) to Assess Implicit Biases Held by Professionals Toward Client Populations

Abstract

Implicit biases held by professionals, functioning outside conscious awareness, can negatively affect client outcomes and professional well-being. Purpose: This systematic review evaluated evidence in the literature of Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) utility for assessing implicit biases held by professionals toward client populations. Method: Included studies were those published 2000 through 2020 using IRAP to measure implicit biases in professionals toward consumers. Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria, with two meeting borderline requirements. Results support IRAP reliability and validity for identifying implicit biases. Variation presents across studies in reporting and analysis of IRAP effects. Discussion: Convergence and divergence between implicit and explicit measures are discussed in terms of relational responding. Results are limited by the relative paucity of studies meeting inclusion criteria and by inconsistencies in data reporting and analysis. Methods for selecting IRAP stimuli are discussed, with a call for a more function-driven approach. Standardization of IRAP methodology is recommended to facilitate extension.