JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Uncovering the Psychological Factors Influencing Health Behaviors.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY 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 JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY, 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
ISSN1359-1053
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationJ HEALTH PSYCHOL / J. Health Psychol.
Frequency14 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1 OLIVERS YARD, 55 CITY ROAD, LONDON EC1Y 1SP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY aims to advance the understanding of psychological factors that influence health and illness, integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical research to address contemporary health challenges.
  1. Health Behavior and Interventions:
    The journal publishes research focusing on health behaviors, including vaccination attitudes, coping strategies, and adherence to medical regimens. Studies often employ experimental or mixed-methods designs to evaluate interventions and their effectiveness.
  2. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    Research on mental health issues, including the impact of chronic conditions, stress, and social support, is a core focus. The journal examines the psychological aspects of mental health, resilience, and well-being across diverse populations.
  3. Social Determinants of Health:
    The journal emphasizes the role of social, economic, and environmental factors in health outcomes. It explores how these determinants affect populations, particularly marginalized groups, including refugees and adolescents.
  4. Digital Health Psychology:
    With the rise of technology, the journal addresses the implications of digital interventions on health behaviors and mental well-being, including studies on social media usage and digital nudges.
  5. Cross-Cultural Health Psychology:
    Research exploring cultural differences in health beliefs, behaviors, and outcomes is prominent. The journal includes studies on various ethnic and social groups, providing insights into culturally sensitive health interventions.
The JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY has seen an evolution in its thematic focus, with certain areas gaining prominence, reflecting current health challenges and societal trends.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Health Psychology:
    Research related to the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including mental health consequences and behavioral changes, has surged. This theme is critical in understanding how global crises affect individual and community health.
  2. Digital Interventions and Technology Use:
    There is an increasing focus on the effectiveness of digital health interventions, including apps and online platforms, to promote health behaviors and mental well-being, highlighting the role of technology in modern health psychology.
  3. Social Support Mechanisms:
    Studies examining the role of social support, particularly in online settings, are emerging as vital in understanding health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations such as refugees and individuals with chronic conditions.
  4. Adolescent Health and Well-Being:
    Research focusing on the mental and physical health of adolescents, particularly in relation to social factors and coping mechanisms, has gained traction, indicating a growing concern for youth health in contemporary society.
  5. Health Communication and Risk Perception:
    The journal is increasingly publishing studies on health communication strategies, particularly how information is framed and communicated to influence public attitudes and behaviors towards health risks.

Declining or Waning

While the JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY has consistently addressed a wide array of health-related topics, certain areas show a decline in focus over recent years, indicating a potential shift in research priorities.
  1. Chronic Illness Management:
    Although studies on chronic illness remain relevant, there appears to be a decrease in papers specifically focused on the management of chronic illnesses outside of the context of mental health, suggesting a shift towards more immediate health behavior interventions.
  2. Traditional Psychosomatic Research:
    Research explicitly centered on psychosomatic disorders seems to be waning. The journal has shifted towards more integrated approaches that combine psychological, social, and behavioral factors rather than focusing solely on psychosomatic connections.
  3. General Population Health Studies:
    There is a noticeable reduction in studies that analyze health behaviors in general populations without specific focus on at-risk groups or emerging trends, which may reflect a growing emphasis on targeted interventions.
  4. Longitudinal Studies:
    The prevalence of longitudinal studies has decreased, with more emphasis placed on cross-sectional designs and immediate interventions, potentially limiting insights into long-term health behavior changes.

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