Feature: Caitlyn Barrett Explores the Psychological Roots of Political Participation Gap

This article was originally featured on the University of Minnesota's Political Science website on November 5, 2025.

After beginning her college career with an interest in clinical psychology, Caitlyn Barrett returned for graduate school to further explore the relationship between poverty and political participation. Today, as a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, she’s examining how early-life experiences shape political behavior in adulthood.

Photo courtesy of Caitlyn Barrett. The photo has been edited using AI to add width.

What do you study and how did you become interested in it?

When beginning my education, I thought that I would pursue clinical or counseling psychology. In particular, I was interested in the effects of familial socioeconomic status on psychological well-being. However, as I began taking more classes at the University of Minnesota for my undergraduate degree, I became more interested in understanding socioeconomic status not only through the lens of the individual but also through the political context that reinforces class disparities which has led me to the political science department. 

What brought you to the University of Minnesota?

I went to the University of Minnesota for my undergraduate degree, so I was very familiar with the political science department here. I chose the University of Minnesota for two primary reasons: first, they are one of very few programs in political science to really emphasize the study of political psychology and second, having worked with the faculty here, I knew that they were supportive of me and my research interests. 

Are you pursuing a graduate minor? What has it added to your experience or understanding?

I am part of the political psychology graduate minor at the University of Minnesota. During my undergraduate, I had exposure to both psychology and political science but the graduate minor has allowed me to learn more about the field of journalism and mass communications. Being in the minor has also allowed me to build strong connections with students and faculty in both psychology and in the Hubbard School of Journalism, which I would not have without the minor. 

What questions and ideas are you most interested in exploring right now? What problems does your work seek to address?

I am interested in the effects of poverty and welfare in childhood for adult political participation. Research has consistently shown that individuals who receive welfare and those of lower socioeconomic statuses participate less in politics. My research aims to address the current gaps in the literature by providing a deeper understanding of the participation gap by socioeconomic status. 

This story was written by Bayleigh Bergner, an undergraduate student in CLA.