Couple and Family Psychology-Research and Practice

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Understanding in Couple and Family Psychology

Introduction

Welcome to the Couple and Family Psychology-Research and Practice information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Couple and Family Psychology-Research and Practice, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2160-4096
PublisherEDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING FOUNDATION-AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2016 to 2024
AbbreviationCOUPLE FAM PSYCHOL / Couple Fam. Psychol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address750 FIRST ST, NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002-4242

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice' focuses on the intersection of psychological research and practical applications in couple and family dynamics. It aims to provide insights into various aspects of relationships, mental health, and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing diversity in family structures and experiences.
  1. Understanding Relationship Dynamics:
    The journal explores the complexities of interpersonal relationships, including factors influencing relationship satisfaction, conflict resolution, and emotional connection among couples.
  2. Diversity and Inclusion in Relationships:
    It emphasizes research on diverse family structures, including same-sex couples, blended families, and the impact of cultural and social factors on relationship dynamics.
  3. Interventions and Therapeutic Approaches:
    There is a strong focus on evaluating and improving therapeutic interventions for couples and families, including Emotionally Focused Therapy and other evidence-based practices.
  4. Impact of Societal Factors on Relationships:
    Research often investigates how external factors such as societal stressors, economic conditions, and public health crises (e.g., COVID-19) affect couple and family well-being.
  5. Mental Health and Relationship Quality:
    The journal addresses the interplay between mental health issues (e.g., PTSD, depression) and relationship quality, exploring how these factors influence one another.
Recent publications in 'Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice' indicate several emerging themes that reflect current societal issues and research innovations. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to changing dynamics in couple and family psychology.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Relationships:
    A significant increase in research examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected couple dynamics, mental health, and family functioning underscores the relevance of situational stressors on relationships.
  2. Mental Health and Relationship Quality:
    Emerging studies emphasize the connection between mental health and relationship satisfaction, particularly in specific populations such as veterans and sexual minorities, showcasing the importance of addressing mental health within relational contexts.
  3. Cultural Competency in Therapy:
    There is a growing trend towards incorporating cultural competency in therapeutic practices, with an emphasis on understanding diverse backgrounds and their influence on relationship dynamics.
  4. Use of Technology in Relationships:
    Research on digital interventions and the role of technology in couple relationships is on the rise, reflecting the increasing integration of technology in daily interactions and therapy.
  5. Focus on Resilience and Coping Strategies:
    Emerging themes highlight resilience factors and coping strategies among couples facing adversity, indicating a shift towards understanding how couples navigate challenges together.

Declining or Waning

While certain topics have been prominent in the journal, some themes appear to be declining in frequency or focus. This shift may reflect changes in societal concerns, research interests, or the evolving landscape of couple and family psychology.
  1. Traditional Family Structures:
    There seems to be a waning focus on traditional family dynamics without considering the complexities of modern relationships. Research is increasingly favoring diverse family structures over nuclear family models.
  2. General Relationship Education:
    While relationship education remains important, there is a noticeable decline in studies focusing on generic relationship education programs, with a shift towards more tailored interventions addressing specific populations.
  3. Interventions with Limited Cultural Context:
    Research focusing on interventions that do not consider cultural or contextual factors is decreasing, as there is a growing recognition of the need for culturally-sensitive practices in therapy.
  4. Longitudinal Studies on Static Variables:
    Studies that rely on static variables in longitudinal research are becoming less common, as researchers increasingly seek dynamic, multifaceted approaches that capture the evolving nature of relationships.

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