JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Bridging Theory and Practice in Sport Psychology

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0895-2779
PublisherHUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationJ SPORT EXERCISE PSY / J. Sport Exerc. Psychol.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1607 N MARKET ST, PO BOX 5076, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820-2200

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology focuses on the psychological aspects of sport and exercise, exploring how mental processes influence physical performance and well-being. It aims to advance the understanding of psychological constructs within the context of physical activity and sport, employing a variety of methodologies to address complex interactions between mental and physical performance.
  1. Psychological Constructs in Sport and Exercise:
    The journal emphasizes the study of psychological constructs such as motivation, self-efficacy, anxiety, and resilience, examining how these factors impact athletes' performance and overall well-being.
  2. Interventions and Mental Health:
    Research often explores the efficacy of psychological interventions designed to enhance mental health and performance in athletes, including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and other therapeutic approaches.
  3. Developmental and Lifespan Perspectives:
    The journal addresses psychological development across different life stages, focusing on children, adolescents, and older adults, and how physical activity influences mental health and cognitive function at various ages.
  4. Inclusive Practices and Special Populations:
    There is a strong emphasis on understanding the experiences of diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, minority groups, and those facing unique challenges in sport and exercise contexts.
  5. Applied Research and Practical Implications:
    The journal encourages research that has practical applications for coaches, athletes, and practitioners, promoting evidence-based practices in sport psychology and physical activity.
The Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology is witnessing a surge in interest in several emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal issues and advancements in research methodologies. These trends indicate the journal's responsiveness to the evolving landscape of sport psychology and physical activity.
  1. Technology and Performance Enhancement:
    There is an increasing focus on how technology, including virtual reality and wearable devices, influences performance and training practices, highlighting the intersection of psychology and technology in sports.
  2. Mental Health and Well-Being:
    Research examining the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes is gaining traction, emphasizing the importance of psychological well-being in athletes and active individuals, particularly post-pandemic.
  3. Cultural Competence and Diversity:
    Emerging themes include the exploration of cultural competence in sport psychology practices, addressing how cultural backgrounds and identities influence participation and experiences in physical activity.
  4. Social Media and Body Image:
    Studies investigating the impact of social media on body image, self-esteem, and mental health among athletes, especially young women, are trending, reflecting societal concerns about body image and mental health.
  5. Resilience and Coping Strategies:
    Research focusing on resilience, coping strategies, and their applications in both competitive and recreational contexts is on the rise, indicating a shift towards understanding athletes' mental toughness and adaptability.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. These declining areas represent shifts in research focus and may indicate changing priorities within the field.
  1. Traditional Performance Metrics:
    There is a noticeable decline in research focusing solely on traditional performance metrics, such as purely physical measurements, as the field increasingly emphasizes psychological and emotional factors influencing performance.
  2. Exclusive Focus on Elite Athletes:
    Research centered exclusively on elite athletes is decreasing, with a growing interest in inclusive studies involving recreational athletes, youth, and underrepresented populations, reflecting a broader understanding of sport participation.
  3. Overly Narrow Psychological Constructs:
    Investigations that focus solely on isolated psychological constructs without considering their interplay with physical and social factors are becoming less common, as researchers seek more holistic approaches.
  4. Gender Stereotyping in Sport Psychology:
    Research that relies on traditional gender stereotypes, particularly in performance and motivation studies, is declining in favor of more nuanced explorations of gender identity and inclusive practices.
  5. Physical Activity as a Sole Means of Mental Health Improvement:
    Studies focusing solely on physical activity as a means to improve mental health without integrating psychological strategies or support systems are becoming less prevalent, indicating a more integrated approach in recent research.

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