Mental Health and Physical Activity

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Synergy Between Mind and Motion

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

ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES

Pioneering Research in the Art and Science of Psychology
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.

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE

Empowering change through psychology.
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.

MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY

Unraveling the mind's role in military effectiveness.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0899-5605Frequency: 6 issues/year

MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of psychological principles as they apply to military settings and contexts. Published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, this esteemed journal has been at the forefront of military psychological research since its inception in 1990. With an ISSN of 0899-5605 and E-ISSN 1532-7876, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is classified in the Q3 quartile for both Experimental and Cognitive Psychology and Psychology (miscellaneous) in 2023, highlighting its significance in the broader psychological landscape. Additionally, it holds a commendable ranking within the social sciences, underscoring its relevance and influence in understanding psychological dynamics within military environments. Although it currently does not offer open access, the journal provides a wealth of insights into critical topics such as stress and resilience, operational effectiveness, and the mental well-being of service personnel, making it an essential read for anyone engaged in this pivotal field of study.

Annals of Clinical Psychiatry

Pioneering Innovations in Clinical Mental Health.
Publisher: QUADRANT HEALTHCOM INCISSN: 1040-1237Frequency: 4 issues/year

Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, published by QUADRANT HEALTHCOM INC, is a leading journal in the fields of Medicine and Psychiatry & Mental Health. With its longstanding commitment to advancing clinical knowledge since 1989, this esteemed journal contributes invaluable insights into current psychiatric practices and mental health research. The journal is recognized in the Scopus ranking with a position in the 34th percentile, reflective of its focused scope and substantial academic contributions. While access to the journal is tailored for professionals and researchers, the absence of Open Access highlights the journal's dedication to maintaining quality and rigorous peer-reviewed standards. As part of the Q3 quartile for both Medicine and Psychiatry categories in 2023, Annals of Clinical Psychiatry serves as an essential resource for those dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, making it a vital platform for practitioners, researchers, and students alike. Situated in Parsippany, New Jersey, the journal remains a pivotal entity that fosters scholarly dialogue and exploration in clinical psychiatry.

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology

Exploring Innovations in Psychiatry and Psychology
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.

Adolescent Psychiatry

Empowering professionals in adolescent well-being.
Publisher: BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISSN: 2210-6766Frequency: 4 issues/year

Adolescent Psychiatry, an esteemed publication by Bentham Science Publishers, focuses on the intricate and evolving field of adolescent mental health, covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to both psychiatry and pediatrics. With its ISSN of 2210-6766 and E-ISSN of 2210-6774, this journal contributes significantly to its fields through rigorous research articles, clinical studies, and comprehensive reviews that enhance our understanding of adolescent psychological well-being. Operating out of the United Arab Emirates, this journal's impact is reflected in its Scopus rankings, placing it within the Q3 category of Pediatrics and Q4 in Psychiatry and Mental Health for 2023. Although not an open-access journal, it remains a vital resource for researchers, clinicians, and students seeking to advance their knowledge and practice regarding mental health issues in adolescents. With converged publication years from 2014 to 2015 and from 2019 to 2024, it continues to strive for excellence in publishing high-quality research that tackles contemporary challenges in adolescent psychiatry.

BMC Psychiatry

Fostering collaboration for innovative mental health solutions.
Publisher: BMCISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

BMC Psychiatry is a leading open-access journal published by BMC, dedicated to advancing the field of psychiatry and mental health. With its E-ISSN 1471-244X, the journal has been at the forefront of disseminating high-quality research since its inception in 2001, and it proudly maintains a Q1 ranking among psychiatry and mental health journals, reflecting its significant impact and relevance within the research community. Based in the United Kingdom, BMC Psychiatry boasts a commendable Scopus ranking of #158 out of 567 in the psychiatry and mental health category, placing it in the 72nd percentile. The journal serves as a vital platform for scholars, clinicians, and students alike, providing them with access to groundbreaking studies, innovative methodologies, and emerging trends in mental health. By fostering a collaborative environment, BMC Psychiatry not only enriches the academic landscape but also contributes to evidence-based practice and policy in mental health care.

PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE

Enhancing Well-Being Through Sports Psychology
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.

Annals of Applied Sport Science

Exploring Innovative Paths in Sports Research
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.

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences

Advancing interdisciplinary research for better mental health.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2045-7960Frequency: 1 issue/year

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences is a leading open-access journal published by Cambridge University Press, dedicated to advancing the fields of epidemiology, psychiatry, and public health. With a strong impact reflected in its Q1 ranking in three critical areas—Epidemiology, Psychiatry and Mental Health, and Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health—this journal stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary research. Since its inception in 2011, Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences has provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to share innovative findings, with the aim of improving mental health outcomes and addressing public health challenges. The journal's commitment to open access, a practice adopted in 2020, ensures that vital research is available to a broader audience, further facilitating knowledge dissemination. Researchers, professionals, and students in these domains will find the journal an invaluable resource in navigating the complex interplay between various factors influencing mental health and well-being.