JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Connecting theory with practice in social behavior.

Introduction

Welcome to the JOURNAL OF SOCIAL 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 SOCIAL 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
ISSN0022-4545
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1930 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SOC PSYCHOL / J. Soc. Psychol.
Frequency6 issues/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 OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY aims to advance the understanding of social psychological processes and their implications across various contexts. The journal publishes empirical research, theoretical analyses, and reviews that contribute to the field's knowledge and applicability in real-world scenarios.
  1. Cultural Psychology:
    Explores how cultural contexts shape psychological processes, including beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. This area emphasizes the importance of cultural differences in understanding social interactions and individual behavior.
  2. Social Identity and Group Dynamics:
    Investigates how social identities influence group behavior, intergroup relations, and personal identity. This includes studies on collective memory, victimhood, and the dynamics of power and status among different social groups.
  3. Coping and Resilience:
    Examines the psychological mechanisms that facilitate coping with trauma and adversity, such as post-traumatic growth and the effects of social support on well-being.
  4. Moral and Ethical Behavior:
    Analyzes the psychological underpinnings of moral judgments, ethical behavior, and factors contributing to actions such as altruism, prosocial behavior, and dehumanization.
  5. Social Comparison and Self-Perception:
    Focuses on how individuals perceive themselves relative to others, including the impacts of social comparison on self-esteem, materialism, and consumer behavior.
  6. Health Psychology:
    Studies the psychological factors affecting health behaviors, perceptions of risk, and responses to health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY is currently witnessing a rise in interest in several key areas, reflecting both societal changes and advancements in research methodologies. These emerging themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and evolving psychological paradigms.
  1. Impact of COVID-19 on Social Behavior:
    Research exploring the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including social trust, coping mechanisms, and societal responses, has surged, indicating a significant shift in focus towards understanding crisis-related behaviors.
  2. Intergroup Relations and Contact Theory:
    There is an increasing emphasis on the dynamics of intergroup relations, including studies on prejudice, contact experiences, and collective action, reflecting a broader interest in social justice and equity.
  3. Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being:
    The role of emotional intelligence in various contexts, such as workplace dynamics and interpersonal relationships, is gaining traction, highlighting its importance in enhancing individual and collective well-being.
  4. Sustainability and Environmental Psychology:
    Research focusing on the psychological aspects of environmental concerns and sustainability efforts is emerging, reflecting a growing awareness of climate change and its social implications.
  5. Digital and Social Media Influence:
    The effects of social media on behavior, self-perception, and social interactions are increasingly being studied, recognizing the significant role of digital environments in shaping contemporary social psychology.

Declining or Waning

While the JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY continues to evolve, certain themes are becoming less prominent in recent publications. This decline reflects shifts in research focus, potentially influenced by emerging societal challenges and interests.
  1. Traditional Gender Roles:
    Research specifically focused on rigid traditional gender roles appears to be decreasing, possibly due to a broader acceptance of diverse gender identities and roles in contemporary society.
  2. Purely Western-Centric Studies:
    The journal has seen a decline in studies that solely focus on Western populations or contexts, reflecting a growing emphasis on global perspectives and cross-cultural comparisons in social psychology.
  3. Historical Contexts without Current Relevance:
    Studies that examine historical contexts or events without linking them to current social issues or psychological processes are becoming less common, as researchers strive for relevance in contemporary discourse.
  4. Single-Factor Explanations of Behavior:
    There is a noticeable decrease in research that relies on overly simplistic, single-factor explanations for complex social behaviors, as the field increasingly embraces multi-faceted approaches.

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