There are also a number of other factors that may contribute to underrepresentation of AAs in genetic research, including cultural or racial stigma, mistrust of scientific research, concerns about discrimination, and confidentiality, perceptions of being used as “guinea pigs” by scientists, and lack of interest or perception that there is no perceived benefit from participation in genetic studies.55–59 Participation in genetic studies of complex behavioral disorders such as alcohol use and related outcomes may be further hindered because of increased stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders in AA populations. For example, Schnittker and colleagues reported that AAs were less likely to accept genetic or familial influences as causative factors of psychiatric disorders.60 While some apprehension about genetic research is shared across individuals of varying backgrounds,61 AAs express greater concern about genetic research,62,63 and are more likely to specifically express concern about the potential for racial discrimination than EAs.61 In light of these concerns, it is perhaps unsurprising that a review of multiple studies that measured consent rates for genetic research participation found that AAs had significantly lower levels of consent.58 Concerns are
