Why Researchers Choose Journal of Positive Psychology for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Positive Psychology stands as a premier venue for scholars investigating the science of well-being, strengths, and optimal human functioning. Launched in 2006 by Taylor & Francis, this quarterly publication has rapidly established itself as a cornerstone in the field of positive psychology. Researchers are drawn to its rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high-quality, innovative studies that advance theoretical and practical understandings of positive emotions, resilience, and personal growth. With a focus on empirical research, the journal publishes articles that bridge psychology with interdisciplinary applications in education, health, and organizational settings.
Its impact factor of 6.6 (2022 Clarivate Analytics) reflects the journal's influence, placing it among the top outlets in applied psychology. Authors benefit from global readership and indexing in major databases, enhancing citation potential and career advancement. The journal's commitment to open science practices, including data sharing and replication studies, further appeals to modern researchers seeking transparency and reproducibility.
Publishing here not only disseminates cutting-edge findings but also contributes to real-world interventions promoting mental health. For instance, studies on mindfulness and gratitude have informed policy and practice worldwide. The editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Michael F. Steger, emphasizes diverse methodologies, from quantitative surveys to qualitative explorations.
As positive psychology grows amid global challenges like mental health crises, the Journal of Positive Psychology remains essential for scholars aiming to foster positive change. To explore opportunities in academia, consider browsing psychology jobs or checking the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines.
Overview & History
The Journal of Positive Psychology was founded in 2006 to fill a gap in psychological literature dedicated exclusively to positive aspects of human experience. Prior to its inception, research on topics like happiness and virtue was scattered across general psychology journals. Taylor & Francis, a respected publisher with roots in the United Kingdom, launched it under the leadership of founding editor Martin Seligman, a pioneer in the field.
Over the years, the journal has evolved to include special issues on emerging themes such as positive education and workplace well-being. It publishes four issues annually, featuring original articles, reviews, and brief reports. Circulation has grown steadily, with thousands of downloads monthly via the official site at Taylor & Francis Online. This platform provides access to full-text articles for subscribers and open-access options.
Key milestones include its inclusion in Web of Science in 2009 and achieving an impact factor within three years. Today, it serves an international audience, with contributions from over 50 countries, underscoring its role in globalizing positive psychology research.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a broad yet focused scope on positive psychological phenomena, including positive emotions, character strengths, resilience, and flow states. It welcomes interdisciplinary work integrating psychology with neuroscience, sociology, and public health.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Positive Psychology | Core theories of well-being and flourishing. |
| Clinical Psychology | Applications in therapy and mental health interventions. |
| Educational Psychology | Positive education and student development. |
| Organizational Psychology | Workplace positivity and leadership. |
| Health Psychology | Links between positivity and physical health outcomes. |
Submissions must demonstrate empirical rigor and theoretical advancement, avoiding purely descriptive work.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 6.6 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 7.2 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 10.5 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 85 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
These metrics highlight the journal's selectivity and influence, with steady growth in citations over the past decade.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Positive Psychology is indexed in leading databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, PsycINFO, and PubMed for relevant health-related articles. Additional coverage includes ERIC for educational content and Google Scholar. For verification, researchers can search Scopus or Clarivate JCR. This indexing supports altmetrics tracking and institutional evaluations.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, it offers traditional subscription access alongside gold open access. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access are $2,950 USD, waivable for low-income countries per Taylor & Francis policy. No fees for non-OA submissions. Check Sherpa/RoMEO for self-archiving rights, which allow preprint deposits.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted via the ScholarOne platform at Taylor & Francis Submission Portal. Guidelines require APA style, double-blind review, and ethical compliance (e.g., IRB approval). Initial screening takes 2-4 weeks, followed by peer review averaging 8-10 weeks. Revisions are common, with final decisions within 4 months. Authors should prepare abstracts under 200 words and keywords aligned with positive psychology themes.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises experts from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Michael F. Steger (University of Denver) specializes in meaning and purpose. Associate Editors include Acacia C. Parks (Lyndra Therapeutics) on interventions and Robert Biswas-Diener (Antioch University) on cultural positivity. International members from the US, UK, Australia, and Asia ensure diverse perspectives. Full list available on the journal homepage.
Why Publish in Journal of Positive Psychology?
Publishing here elevates researchers' profiles through high visibility and interdisciplinary reach. The journal's focus on actionable insights appeals to practitioners, boosting real-world impact. Compared to broader psychology outlets, it offers specialized feedback from field leaders. Success stories include articles cited in WHO reports on mental health. For career growth, see how publications align with rate my professor evaluations or tenure-track positions.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Positive Psychology | 6.6 | Core positive psych research | Taylor & Francis |
| Journal of Happiness Studies | 3.9 | Happiness and subjective well-being | Springer |
| Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being | 4.2 | Applied well-being interventions | Wiley |
| Psychology of Well-Being | 2.8 | Theory and measurement | SpringerOpen |
| International Journal of Wellbeing | 1.5 | Open access wellbeing studies | Independent |
This comparison shows the Journal of Positive Psychology's superior metrics and prestige.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with current calls, such as positive interventions. Use robust samples and validated measures. Engage with recent issues for novelty. Pre-submission inquiries to editors can clarify fit. Track progress via the portal and respond promptly to reviews. For broader career advice, explore psychology faculty jobs, higher ed jobs, postdoc positions, academic conferences, research funding, tenure advice, PhD programs, adjunct faculty, academic advising, graduate school, career services, mentorship programs, and publishing tips.