Purpose: Improving recruitment and retention of emerging adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI) in research requires a deeper understanding of factors influencing their participation. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of emerging adults with SMI on research engagement. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 emerging adults with SMI to examine perceived barriers and facilitators to research participation, and recommendations for improving recruitment and study design. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Participants identified key barriers, including time demands, privacy concerns, and limited personal relevance of study topics. Facilitators included incentives (e.g., compensation), altruistic motivations, and a sense of connection to the research. Participants offered suggestions for youth-friendly recruitment approaches, essential information to support decision-making, and strategies to make research processes more engaging. Discussion: Findings contribute to the limited literature on research engagement among emerging adults with SMI, offering practical guidance for developing more effective and appealing studies.
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