Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine

Scope & Guideline

Advancing the Science of Health and Behavior

Introduction

Welcome to the Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine 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 Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 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
ISSN2164-2850
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessYes
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2018 to 2024
AbbreviationHEALTH PSYCHOL BEHAV / Health Psychol. Behav. Med.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine' focuses on the intersection of psychological principles and health-related behaviors, emphasizing the importance of mental health in physical well-being. It aims to provide a platform for research that informs clinical practices and public health strategies.
  1. Integration of Psychological and Medical Perspectives:
    The journal emphasizes the integration of psychological theories and methodologies with medical practices, aiming to understand how mental health influences physical health outcomes and vice versa.
  2. Behavior Change Interventions:
    A core area of focus is on developing and assessing interventions aimed at changing health-related behaviors, including diet, exercise, and adherence to medical regimens.
  3. Socioeconomic and Cultural Impacts on Health:
    The journal explores how socioeconomic status and cultural factors influence health behaviors and access to healthcare, highlighting disparities and promoting equitable health solutions.
  4. Qualitative Research and Patient Experiences:
    There is a strong emphasis on qualitative research that captures patient experiences, coping strategies, and the psychosocial aspects of health conditions.
  5. Mental Health in Diverse Populations:
    The journal prioritizes research on mental health issues across diverse populations, including marginalized groups, to better understand unique challenges and develop targeted interventions.
The journal has seen a rise in certain themes that reflect current health challenges and societal shifts, indicating a dynamic response to emerging health issues and the evolving landscape of health psychology.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health:
    A significant increase in research addressing the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on various populations, including studies on stress, coping strategies, and mental health interventions.
  2. Technology and Digital Health Interventions:
    Emerging interest in the role of technology in health behavior change, including the use of digital platforms for mental health support and behavior modification.
  3. Intersection of Mental Health and Chronic Illnesses:
    Growing research focus on how mental health interacts with chronic physical conditions, emphasizing the need for integrated care models that address both mental and physical health.
  4. Social Determinants of Health:
    Increased attention to the social determinants of health, examining how factors like income, education, and social support networks influence health behaviors and outcomes.
  5. Youth and Mental Health:
    A notable trend in exploring mental health issues specifically among youth, including the effects of social media, peer relationships, and academic pressures on well-being.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence, reflecting changing priorities and emerging areas of focus within health psychology and behavioral medicine.
  1. Traditional Biomedical Approaches to Health:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focusing solely on traditional biomedical models of health, as the journal increasingly embraces biopsychosocial approaches that consider psychological and social factors.
  2. General Population Studies:
    Research that broadly examines health behaviors in the general population without specific focus on vulnerable or marginalized groups appears to be waning, indicating a shift towards more targeted research.
  3. Single-Factor Interventions:
    There is a declining interest in studies that assess the impact of single-factor interventions on health behaviors, with more recent publications favoring complex, multifaceted intervention strategies.
  4. Descriptive Epidemiological Studies:
    Descriptive studies that merely catalog health behaviors without exploring underlying psychological mechanisms or interventions are becoming less common, as the journal seeks to provide deeper insights.

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