Mental Health and Physical Activity

Scope & Guideline

Unveiling the Impact of Movement on Mental Well-being

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Mental Health and Physical Activity with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1755-2966
PublisherELSEVIER SCI LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2008 to 2024
AbbreviationMENT HEALTH PHYS ACT / Ment. Health Phys. Act.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AS, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Mental Health and Physical Activity' focuses on the intricate relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes. It aims to bridge the gap between physical and psychological well-being, exploring how various forms of physical activity can be utilized as interventions for improving mental health.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal encourages interdisciplinary studies that integrate psychology, psychiatry, exercise science, and public health to understand the multifaceted impact of physical activity on mental health.
  2. Intervention Studies:
    Emphasis on research that evaluates physical activity interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes in various populations, including those with mental health disorders, children, and the elderly.
  3. Population-Specific Analyses:
    Focus on specific populations, such as individuals with substance use disorders, military veterans, and youth, to explore tailored physical activity interventions and their psychological impacts.
  4. Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Studies:
    Support for both longitudinal and cross-sectional studies that examine the bidirectional relationships between mental health and physical activity patterns over time.
  5. Mechanistic Insights:
    Encouragement of research that investigates the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms through which physical activity influences mental health.
The journal has shown a dynamic evolution in its research themes, with several emerging topics gaining traction in recent years. These trends reflect growing awareness of the complex interplay between physical activity and mental health.
  1. Holistic Movement Practices:
    Increasing interest in holistic movement practices, such as yoga and tai chi, as effective interventions for mental health issues, indicating a shift towards more integrative approaches to physical activity.
  2. Digital and Remote Interventions:
    The rise in studies evaluating the effectiveness of digital platforms and remote interventions for promoting physical activity among various populations, especially during and post-COVID-19.
  3. Psychosocial Mechanisms:
    Growing focus on understanding the psychosocial mechanisms behind the relationship between physical activity and mental health, including self-efficacy, social support, and community engagement.
  4. Youth and Mental Health:
    A notable increase in research targeting youth populations, exploring how physical activity influences mental health during critical developmental stages.
  5. Substance Use and Recovery:
    Emerging studies investigating the role of physical activity in recovery from substance use disorders, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy.

Declining or Waning

While 'Mental Health and Physical Activity' continues to evolve, certain themes have become less prominent in recent publications. These waning areas may reflect shifting research priorities or decreasing interest in specific topics.
  1. Traditional Exercise Models:
    Research focusing solely on traditional exercise modalities, such as aerobic or resistance training, without considering broader lifestyle factors or holistic approaches is appearing less frequently.
  2. Generalized Mental Health Outcomes:
    Studies that broadly address mental health outcomes without specific focus on how different types of physical activity impact distinct mental health conditions are declining.
  3. Sedentary Behavior Alone:
    Investigations that concentrate solely on sedentary behavior without linking it to physical activity or mental health outcomes seem to be diminishing, as the field shifts toward a more integrated view.
  4. Single-Factor Analyses:
    Research that examines only a single factor (such as physical activity or mental health) without considering confounding variables or interactions with other lifestyle factors is becoming less common.
  5. Populations Neglected in Research:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies focused on less-researched populations, such as older adults or specific ethnic groups, possibly due to a shift towards more universally applicable findings.

Similar Journals

Bewegungstherapie und Gesundheitssport

Innovating Health Solutions Through Movement Science
Publisher: GEORG THIEME VERLAG KGISSN: 1613-0863Frequency: 6 issues/year

Bewegungstherapie und Gesundheitssport, published by GEORG THIEME VERLAG KG, is a distinguished journal primarily focused on the fields of movement therapy, health sports, and rehabilitation sciences. With a commitment to fostering knowledge dissemination and innovation in promoting physical health and well-being, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, health professionals, and students interested in the intersection of exercise and therapy. While currently not offering an open access model, it maintains a robust impact on academic discourse, supported by rigorous peer-reviewed research that spans diverse methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The journal invites high-quality contributions that explore the efficacy of movement therapies, the impact of physical activity on health disorders, and emerging trends in health promotion strategies, thereby enhancing the understanding of physical well-being's role in society.

Annals of Applied Sport Science

Transforming Insights into Actionable Knowledge
Publisher: ANNALS APPLIED SPORT SCIENCEISSN: 2322-4479Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Annals of Applied Sport Science, published by ANNALS APPLIED SPORT SCIENCE, is an esteemed open-access journal dedicated to advancing research in the fields of applied psychology, orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy, and social sciences related to sports and recreation. Launched in 2013, this journal aims to foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and educators by disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research that addresses contemporary issues in sports science and practices. Operating from Iran, the journal has demonstrated its significance by maintaining a strong presence in various academic rankings, including Q4 rank in Applied Psychology and Q3 ranks in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, demonstrating its multidisciplinary approach. As it embarks on converging research from 2017 to 2024, the journal welcomes contributions that span innovative methodologies, evidence-based practices, and critical discussions that shape future perspectives in sports-related fields. With an accessible format, the Annals of Applied Sport Science is poised to make a lasting impact on its community of readers, including researchers, professionals, and students eager to engage with cutting-edge findings and trends.

PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE

Transforming Exercise Through Psychological Understanding
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 1469-0292Frequency: 6 issues/year

Psychology of Sport and Exercise, published by Elsevier, is a leading academic journal in the fields of applied psychology and sports science. With its ISSN 1469-0292 and E-ISSN 1878-5476, the journal has established a strong foothold in the Netherlands, specifically from its address at RADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM. The journal is recognized for its high impact, currently holding a Q2 ranking in Applied Psychology and a prestigious Q1 ranking in Sports Science as of 2023. It is positioned in the 74th percentile among applied psychology journals per Scopus rankings, demonstrating its influence and relevance in current research. Aimed at researchers, professionals, and students alike, the journal offers a comprehensive platform for the dissemination of innovative research findings, theoretical discussions, and practical applications related to the psychological aspects of sports participation and physical activity. By focusing on the intersection of psychological principles and exercise behaviors, Psychology of Sport and Exercise plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of how mental processes influence physical performance, making it an invaluable resource for those dedicated to enhancing well-being through sport and exercise.

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE

Advancing understanding, shaping interventions.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0813-4839Frequency: 4 issues/year

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE is a leading journal published by Cambridge University Press, dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in the domains of clinical psychology and experimental and cognitive psychology. Since its inception in 1984, the journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners, focusing on innovative strategies and empirical research aimed at promoting effective behavior change. With an impact factor that places it in the prestigious Q2 quartile within both fields, it serves as a platform for rigorous studies that explore psychological principles and their applications in real-world contexts. The journal is accessible to an international audience, contributing significantly to the understanding of human behavior and the development of interventions that improve mental health outcomes. Located in the United Kingdom, at Edinburgh Building, Shaftesbury Rd, CB2 8RU Cambridge, England, BEHAVIOUR CHANGE continues to publish high-quality research that not only informs academic discourse but also enhances practical approaches to behavior modification and psychological well-being.

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology

Bridging Research and Practice in Mental Health
Publisher: IRAN UNIV MEDICAL SCIENCESISSN: 1735-4315Frequency: 4 issues/year

The Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, a distinguished publication by IRAN UNIV MEDICAL SCIENCES, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research and advancements in the fields of clinical psychology and psychiatry. With its ISSN 1735-4315 and E-ISSN 2228-7515, the journal reaches a diverse audience of researchers, practitioners, and students, specifically in Iran and the broader international community. This open access journal, based in Tehran, facilitates knowledge sharing through its commitment to exploring contemporary issues and emerging trends from 2018 to 2024. Recognized for its significant contributions, it has achieved a Q3 ranking in both Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry and Mental Health categories in 2023, alongside Scopus rankings that place it within the lower quartiles of its respective fields. The journal's aim is to foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, promote evidence-based practices, and enhance the quality of mental health care, making it an essential resource for advancing academic and clinical excellence.

International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

Advancing the Science of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1612-197XFrequency: 6 issues/year

International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology is a leading academic publication dedicated to advancing the understanding of psychological aspects of sport and exercise. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd in the United Kingdom, this journal holds an esteemed position in the field, evidenced by its impressive Q2 categorization in Applied Psychology, Social Psychology, and Sports Science as of 2023. The journal features high-quality research that contributes significantly to the disciplines it covers, as reflected in its notable Scopus rankings, with Psychology - Social Psychology ranked #38/310 (87th percentile) and Psychology - Applied Psychology ranked #52/249 (79th percentile). With an emphasis on fostering knowledge and dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and students, the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology serves as a crucial platform for disseminating critical insights and innovative findings in the realm of psychological research pertaining to sports and physical activity. By remaining at the forefront of contemporary psychological investigation, this journal not only enhances academic rigor but also supports the practical application of psychological principles to improve athletic performance and general well-being.

ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES

Connecting Theory and Practice in Mental Health Research
Publisher: MASSON EDITEURISSN: 0003-4487Frequency: 10 issues/year

ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES is a distinguished academic journal published by MASSON EDITEUR, focusing on the fields of applied psychology, psychiatry, and related arts and humanities. With its ISSN 0003-4487 and E-ISSN 1769-6631, this journal has been a pivotal platform for researchers since its inception in 1946, contributing valuable insights into the intersection of psychological theory and medical practice. Over the years, it has maintained a significant standing with a Q3 ranking in Applied Psychology and Q2 in Arts and Humanities (Miscellaneous), showcasing its commitment to high-quality research and scholarship. Although it does not operate under an open-access model, the journal remains accessible to researchers and practitioners alike, promoting the dissemination of critical knowledge in mental health and psychological sciences. As evidenced by its Scopus rankings, ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES is recognized for its contributions within the academic community, making it an essential resource for professionals and students aiming to excel in these dynamic fields.

Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology

Empowering Athletes through Psychological Insights
Publisher: EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING FOUNDATION-AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCISSN: 2157-3905Frequency: 4 issues/year

Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology, published by the Educational Publishing Foundation in collaboration with the American Psychological Association, serves as a leading journal in the realm of applied psychology, focusing on the psychological aspects of sports and exercise. With a strong reputation, this journal features prominent rankings in several categories, including Q2 in Applied Psychology and Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, as well as Social Psychology. It boasts impressive Scopus rankings, including a 79th percentile in Physical Therapy, indicating its crucial role in advancing research and understanding of mental performance in athletic and exercise contexts. Though currently not open access, the journal offers valuable insights for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the intersection of psychology, sport, and exercise science, fostering a deeper comprehension of psychological strategies and their application to enhance athletic performance. Upholding rigorous academic standards, Sport Exercise and Performance Psychology continues to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge from 2013 through 2024 and beyond.

Health Psychology Review

Bridging the Gap Between Health and Psychology.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1743-7199Frequency: 4 issues/year

Health Psychology Review, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a leading journal in the fields of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry and Mental Health, boasting an impressive impact factor that places it within the Q1 category of the Journal Citation Reports. With roots tracing back to 2007, this peer-reviewed journal aims to provide a comprehensive platform for innovative research and discussion that bridge the gap between health and psychology. Addressed to a global readership of researchers, professionals, and students, the journal covers a broad spectrum of topics, addressing the psychological aspects of health and illness, thereby contributing significantly to our understanding of mental health and well-being. Notably, the journal ranks highly within Scopus, recognized as #4 in Clinical Psychology and #9 in Psychiatry and Mental Health, placing it in the top percentiles of academic excellence. As a crucial resource for those interested in the latest developments in health psychology, Health Psychology Review offers insights that are essential for advancing knowledge and practice in the ever-evolving landscape of mental health.

JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY

Empowering Athletes Through Psychological Insights
Publisher: HUMAN KINETICS PUBL INCISSN: 0895-2779Frequency: 6 issues/year

JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, published by Human Kinetics Publishing Inc, stands as a premier resource in the realms of Applied Psychology and Sports Science. With a dedicated focus on the psychological aspects of sport and exercise, this journal delivers empirical research, critical reviews, and practical insights that are essential for practitioners, researchers, and students alike. Since its inception in 1996, the journal has shown remarkable growth, now garnering a commendable impact factor reflected in its Q2 and Q3 quartile rankings across relevant fields. Although not an open access journal, it facilitates access to rigorously evaluated content that contributes significantly to the understanding of psychological processes in athletic performance and physical activity. With its rich blend of theoretical and applied perspectives, the JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY is positioned as an indispensable tool for enhancing knowledge in both academic and applied settings.