Assessment of Infographics as a Retention Strategy in a Longitudinal Study of Diverse Emerging Adults

Retaining participants in longitudinal survey studies is critical for ensuring data quality but is especially difficult with emerging adults, who are navigating developmental transitions. We tested whether a low-cost intrinsic motivator—either a study specific or national data infographic—could improve participation in the seventh wave of a longitudinal study, compared to a no infographic control. Logistic regression models ( N = 559) examined the effects of infographic condition, gender, ethnicity, and prior participation on current wave participation. Prior participation was the strongest predictor, with returning participants over eight times more likely to respond. Although infographics did not significantly increase overall participation, interaction effects showed higher participation among non-Latinx participants of color in the national infographic condition. Women were also significantly more likely to participate than men, regardless of condition. Findings highlight the importance of early engagement strategies and the value of developmentally and culturally grounded approaches in retaining participants.