SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering Research in the African Context

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0081-2463
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1979 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J PSYCHOL / South Afr. J. Psychol.
Frequency4 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 South African Journal of Psychology serves as a platform for advancing psychological research and practice within the unique socio-cultural context of South Africa. It aims to address the complexities of psychological phenomena through diverse methodologies while fostering an inclusive dialogue around contemporary psychological issues.
  1. Cultural and Contextual Relevance:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive research that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of South African populations, ensuring that psychological theories and practices are relevant to local contexts.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
    It promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates insights from sociology, anthropology, and public health to enrich psychological understanding and address complex societal issues.
  3. Focus on Mental Health Interventions:
    The journal consistently publishes studies on mental health interventions tailored to the unique needs of South African communities, emphasizing evidence-based practices and innovative approaches.
  4. Social Justice and Equity:
    A core aim is to highlight issues of social justice, equity, and decolonization within psychology, advocating for marginalized voices and addressing systemic inequalities in mental health care.
  5. Research on Trauma and Resilience:
    The journal frequently explores themes of trauma, resilience, and coping strategies among various populations, particularly in the aftermath of historical and contemporary adversities.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Psychology reveal several emerging themes that reflect current societal challenges and advancements in psychological research. These trends indicate a proactive response to the evolving landscape of psychology in South Africa.
  1. Decolonization of Psychology:
    There is a significant increase in research focused on decolonizing psychology, reflecting broader societal movements aimed at addressing historical injustices and re-evaluating psychological practices through an African lens.
  2. Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health:
    The journal has seen a surge in studies examining the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues such as anxiety, depression, and resilience in various populations, particularly among students and healthcare workers.
  3. Technological Interventions in Mental Health:
    Emerging themes include the exploration of technology-based interventions, such as mental health applications and telepsychology, reflecting a growing interest in leveraging technology to enhance access to psychological services.
  4. Intersectionality in Mental Health Research:
    There is an increasing focus on intersectionality, examining how overlapping social identities—such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status—affect mental health outcomes and access to care.
  5. Youth Mental Health and Well-Being:
    The journal is increasingly publishing research on youth mental health, particularly concerning educational settings and the impact of socio-economic factors on adolescent well-being.

Declining or Waning

While the South African Journal of Psychology has consistently focused on various critical themes, certain areas appear to be waning in prominence. This decline may reflect evolving research interests or shifts in societal priorities.
  1. Traditional Psychometric Assessments:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focused solely on traditional psychometric assessments, possibly indicating a shift towards more holistic and contextually relevant approaches to psychological evaluation.
  2. Generalized Mental Health Studies:
    Research that does not specify cultural contexts or local relevance has become less prominent, as the journal increasingly prioritizes studies that address the specific needs and experiences of South African populations.
  3. Focus on Western Psychological Theories:
    The application of Western psychological theories without adaptation to local contexts seems to be declining, as there is a growing emphasis on indigenous knowledge systems and African-centered psychological frameworks.

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