Abstract
Prevention is increasingly recognized as critical in improving the quality of human life and in reducing illness and premature death. As noted by the father of prevention, George Albee (2005), “No mass disorder afflicting humankind has ever been eliminated or brought under control by treating the affected individual” (p. 296). The field of psychology is beginning to move from a remedial, medically oriented model to a proactive, social justice approach, striving to intervene before negative effects of our social environments do harm to individuals and communities.
I am proud to announce a new interdisciplinary scholarly publication, the Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion (JPHP), reflecting the shift from a remediation focus to one of prevention and health promotion. The JPHP is dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge and research in the field of prevention science, social justice, and health and wellness promotion. The focus of the JPHP is on all aspects of prevention and health promotion in psychology and related disciplines and includes scholarship related to environmental and systems change, and public policy development. This mission is central to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP) and the Prevention Section of SCP, who serve as joint partners with Sage in publishing the JPHP.
As an interdisciplinary journal, we invite submissions from a breadth of fields, including but are not limited to psychology, community psychology, addictions, health, health education, health promotion, multiculturalism, social justice, medicine, public health, public policy, school counseling, college counseling, school psychology, social work, epidemiology, aging, career, and wellness. The members of the editorial leadership team, including Associate Editors Maureen Kenny and Lisa De La Rue, along with a highly talented group of editorial board members, offer expertise in these and other emerging areas that reflect the fields of prevention science and health promotion. The editorial leadership team and the board also reflect the diversity that exists among psychologists in the United States and abroad, and nonpsychologists who are leaders in the field of prevention and health promotion.
The JPHP is a primary outlet for research, particularly as it influences psychological practice, public policy, training, and social action related to prevention and wellness. Its focus is on empirical research (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods), theoretical and conceptual articles, in-depth reviews of the research and literature, clinical case studies, and book reviews. Some issues will include a major article or set of articles on a specific theme of importance to theory, research, and/or practice in the psychology of prevention and wellness promotion. In addition, articles may address professional issues, methodological and theoretical issues, as well as such topics that advance the psychological knowledge of prevention science and wellness applied to individuals, families, couples, groups, and communities. With the release of the APA (2014) Guidelines for Prevention in Psychology, articles that incorporate the Guidelines in practice, training, social action, or research are encouraged.
The vision of the editorial team of JPHP includes promoting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary scholarship that moves beyond the traditional boundaries of prevention psychology and engages other social sciences, health sciences, humanities, and beyond. In addition, we have a strong commitment to an educative/mentoring approach in support of the development and refinement of manuscripts. Furthermore, we are committed to promoting publications and manuscript submissions that thoughtfully engage in issues pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Finally, we pledge to provide very quick turn-around time on manuscripts.
In closing, I am incredibly grateful to all those who have worked so hard over the past 8 years to make this journal a reality. These people include the co-chair of the JPHP publications committee, Arthur Horne, and members of the publication committee: Dorothy Espelage, Ruth Fassinger, Martin Heesacker, Sesooter Ikpah, Arpana Inman, John Romano, Anneliese A. Singh, and Kerry Wilkins-Yel. We hope this journal will stimulate new ideas and innovative contributions to the field of psychology and beyond. As noted by Vera (2017), now more than ever, engaging in the work of social justice and prevention “is critical to creating equity in our society” (p. 37).