About Journal of Psychological Experience

The Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) aims to promote and advance psychological insights from underrepresented voices that transform the world.

Mission and Scope

Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) is a pioneering open access journal in psychology committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in psychological sciences.

JPsyExp is dedicated to advancing the field of psychology by encouraging underrepresented voices and perspectives that have the potential to transform our understanding of the human mind and behaviour. Our mission is to provide a platform for innovative research, theories, and methodologies that challenge conventional wisdom and offer fresh insights into psychological phenomena across diverse cultural, social, and geographical contexts.

JPsyExp embraces a broad scope within the domain of psychology, welcoming contributions from all sub-disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Counselling Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Environmental Psychology
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Human Factors Psychology
  • Industrial and Organisational Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Rehabilitation Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

We particularly encourage submissions that:

  1. Present research conducted by scholars from underrepresented groups or regions
  2. Focus on populations or issues that have been historically marginalised in psychological research
  3. Employ novel methodologies or theoretical frameworks that diverge from mainstream approaches
  4. Explore the intersection of psychology with other disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue
  5. Address pressing global challenges through the lens of psychological science

Our journal aims to be a catalyst for transformative change in both academia and society at large. We believe that by showcasing diverse perspectives and innovative research, we can contribute to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of human psychology. JPsyExp is committed to publishing high-quality, rigorous research that meets the highest standards of scientific integrity while also being accessible to a broad audience of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.

In line with our mission, we actively seek submissions from early-career researchers, scholars from the Global South, and those working in non-traditional academic settings. We recognise that groundbreaking insights often emerge from unexpected sources and are committed to providing a platform for voices that have been historically underrepresented in mainstream psychological discourse.

JPsyExp also places a strong emphasis on research that has practical implications for addressing real-world problems. We encourage submissions that demonstrate how psychological insights can be applied to tackle societal challenges, improve mental health outcomes, enhance educational practices, inform public policy, or promote social justice.

To ensure the widest possible dissemination of the transformative insights published in our journal, JPsyExp adheres to an open access model and employs a rigorous peer-review process. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical publishing practices and promoting transparency in all aspects of our operations.

By fostering a diverse and inclusive scholarly community, JPsyExp aims to push the boundaries of psychological knowledge and contribute to a more equitable and psychologically informed world. We invite researchers, practitioners, and thinkers from all backgrounds to join us in this endeavour to advance psychological insights that have the power to transform our understanding of the human experience and shape a better future for all.

Journal Sections

The Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) is structured to accommodate a wide range of scholarly contributions that align with our mission of advancing psychological insights from underrepresented voices. Our journal sections are designed to provide a comprehensive platform for diverse forms of academic expression and knowledge dissemination. Each section serves a specific purpose in furthering our goal of transforming the world through psychological research and theory.

  1. Editorial: Editorials are selected pieces that serve as announcements for significant developments or changes within a publication. This section may also feature articles written by the editorial board or invited experts, providing insights into current trends, emerging issues, and the journal's vision for advancing psychological research. Editorials may also address important considerations in the field.
  2. Empirical Research: This section forms the core of our journal, featuring full-length empirical studies that present novel findings, methodologies, or theoretical frameworks. We particularly welcome research that challenges existing paradigms, explores understudied populations or phenomena, or employs innovative research designs. Original research articles should provide a comprehensive background, detailed methodology, clear presentation of results, and a thorough discussion of the implications and potential applications of the findings.
  3. Review: This section features comprehensive reviews of the literature on specific topics within psychology. We particularly welcome reviews that synthesise research from diverse sources, including studies conducted in non-Western contexts or by underrepresented scholars. Review articles should not only summarise existing knowledge but also identify gaps in the literature, propose new directions for research, and discuss the implications of the reviewed findings for theory, practice, and policy.
  4. Communication: This section provides a forum for scholarly dialogue, featuring brief commentaries on previously published articles, responses from authors, and letters addressing current issues in psychology. We encourage respectful and constructive exchanges that contribute to advancing the field and fostering a diverse and inclusive scholarly community. This section also includes perspective pieces that offer unique viewpoints on psychological phenomena or the state of the field.
  5. Presentation: This section is dedicated to showcasing innovative ways of presenting psychological research and insights. It may include visual abstracts, posters, presentations, videos, interviews, infographics, or other creative formats that effectively communicate complex psychological concepts to a broad audience. We encourage submissions that make psychological research more accessible and engaging, particularly to non-academic audiences or underrepresented communities.

Through these diverse sections, JPsyExp aims to provide a comprehensive platform for the dissemination of transformative psychological insights from underrepresented voices. We are committed to maintaining flexibility in our section structure to accommodate emerging trends and evolving needs in psychological research and practice.

Peer-Review Process

The Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigour and integrity through a comprehensive and fair peer-review process. Our peer-review system is designed to ensure the quality and relevance of published articles while also promoting inclusivity and diversity in psychological research. We recognise that traditional peer-review processes may inadvertently perpetuate biases and exclusionary practices, and we have therefore implemented innovative approaches to address these challenges.

Initial Screening
Upon submission, all manuscripts undergo an initial screening by the editorial team to ensure they meet the basic requirements for consideration. This includes checking for:

  1. Relevance to the journal's mission and scope
  2. Adherence to robust research standards
  3. Proper formatting and completeness of the submission
  4. Originality and potential contribution to the field

Manuscripts that pass this initial screening are then assigned to an appropriate Editorial Member based on the subject matter expertise.

Double-Blind Peer Review
JPsyExp employs a double-blind peer review process to minimise potential biases related to author or institution identity. All identifying information is removed from the manuscript before it is sent to reviewers, and reviewers' identities are not disclosed to authors. This approach helps ensure that evaluations are based solely on the merit of the work presented.

Reviewer Selection
The Editorial Member carefully selects reviewers based on their expertise in the relevant subject area, methodological proficiency, and diversity of perspectives. We maintain a diverse pool of reviewers, including scholars from underrepresented groups and regions, to ensure a wide range of viewpoints in the evaluation process. Reviewers are asked to declare any potential conflicts of interest before accepting a review assignment.

Review Criteria
Reviewers are provided with clear guidelines and criteria for evaluating manuscripts, including:

  1. Originality and significance of the contribution
  2. Scientific rigour and appropriateness
  3. Clarity and coherence of argumentation
  4. Quality of writing and presentation
  5. Potential for transformative impact
  6. Relevance to underrepresented perspectives or populations

Importantly, reviewers are explicitly instructed to consider the potential value of non-traditional approaches or perspectives that may challenge mainstream thinking in psychology.

Structured Review Form
To promote consistency and thoroughness in the review process, reviewers are required to complete a structured review form that addresses specific aspects of the manuscript. This form includes both quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback sections, allowing reviewers to provide detailed and constructive comments. To create an efficient review system, reviewers are typically encouraged to submit their reports within 4 weeks.

Author Response and Revision
Authors are given the opportunity to respond to reviewer comments and submit revised manuscripts. The Editorial Member carefully considers the author's responses and the revised manuscript alongside the original reviews to make a recommendation.

Editorial Decision
Based on the reviewers' recommendations and their own assessment, the Editorial Member makes a recommendation to the Editorial Office, who makes the final decision on the manuscript. Possible decisions include:

  1. Accept without revision
  2. Accept with minor revisions
  3. Invite major revisions and resubmission
  4. Reject with encouragement to resubmit after substantial revision
  5. Reject without invitation to resubmit

Transparent Review Process
JPsyExp values transparency and accountability in the review process. Authors receive anonymised reviewer comments and editorial decisions. Upon a manuscript's acceptance for publication, both authors and reviewers have the option to disclose their identities. We also offer the option for authors to publish the review history alongside their article, should it be accepted for publication.

Appeals Process
Authors who believe that their manuscript has been unfairly rejected may appeal the decision. Appeals are carefully considered by the Editorial Office and an independent member of the Editorial team who was not involved in the original decision.

Continuous Improvement
JPsyExp is committed to continuously improving our peer-review process. We regularly solicit feedback from authors, reviewers, and editors, and conduct periodic evaluations of our review system to identify areas for enhancement. We also stay abreast of innovations in peer review and are open to piloting new approaches that align with our mission of promoting diverse and transformative psychological insights.

Reviewer Recognition
We value the crucial role that reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of our journal. JPsyExp provides certificates of recognition to reviewers and publishes an annual list of reviewers (with their consent) to acknowledge their contributions. We also offer opportunities for outstanding reviewers to join our Editorial Board.

Through this comprehensive and inclusive peer-review process, JPsyExp aims to uphold the highest standards of scientific publishing while fostering a diverse and equitable scholarly environment. We believe that this approach not only ensures the quality of published research but also contributes to the advancement of transformative psychological insights that have the potential to shape our understanding of the human mind and behaviour.

Abstracting and Indexing

At JPsyExp, we are committed to ensuring that all published articles are immediately and freely accessible worldwide. Upon publication, each article is assigned a unique Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which serves as a permanent, persistent link to the content. This DOI system ensures that articles remain discoverable and accessible, providing a stable reference for citation and access. Our open access model means that anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location or institutional affiliation, can read, download, and share our published content without encountering any paywalls or subscription barriers.

To further enhance the visibility and discoverability of our open access content, JPsyExp is dedicated to ensuring that all published articles are indexed in major academic databases and search engines. We are actively pursuing partnerships with leading indexing services and databases in the field of psychology and related disciplines. Our goal is to have our content included in key platforms and databases. By working closely with the major databases, we strive to make our content easily findable and accessible to researchers, practitioners, and students worldwide. This comprehensive indexing strategy not only increases the reach and impact of the research we publish but also ensures that the transformative insights from underrepresented voices in psychology reach the broadest possible audience.

Open Access Statement

The Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) is firmly committed to the principles of open access publishing, recognising its crucial role in democratising knowledge, fostering global collaboration, and maximising the impact of psychological research. Our open access policy is designed to ensure that transformative insights from underrepresented voices reach the widest possible audience, transcending geographical, institutional, and economic barriers.

Full and Immediate Open Access
All articles published in JPsyExp are made freely available online immediately upon publication, without any embargo period. This means that anyone with an internet connection can access, read, download, and share our published content without any subscription fees or paywalls. We believe that this immediate and unrestricted access is essential for the rapid dissemination of knowledge and the acceleration of scientific progress in psychology.

Creative Commons Licensing
JPsyExp publishes all articles under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license allows users to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material) the article for any purpose, even commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given to the original authors and the source. This liberal licensing approach ensures maximum reusability and impact of the research we publish.

Author Retention of Copyright
Unlike many traditional publishing models, JPsyExp allows authors to retain copyright of their work. Authors grant the journal a full license to publish the article and identify itself as the original publisher. This approach empowers authors to freely share their work through institutional repositories, personal websites, or other platforms, further enhancing the visibility and impact of their research.

Article Processing Charge

To sustain our open access model and cover the costs associated with the publication process, the Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) implements a transparent Article Processing Charge (APC) system. APC rates vary based on the article type and contribute to covering the expenses related to peer review, copyediting, typesetting, long-term archiving, and overall journal management. Please refer to the specific APCs for each article type below.

  • Empirical Research: USD $550
  • Review: USD $550
  • Communication: USD $350
  • Presentation: USD $100

We strive to keep our APCs as low as possible while ensuring the financial sustainability of our open access model. The fees are competitive within the field of psychology journals and reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, openly accessible research.

It's important to note that APCs are charged only after a manuscript has been accepted for publication following peer review. This ensures that the ability to pay does not influence the editorial decision-making process. Authors are informed of the applicable APC at the beginning of the submission process to ensure full transparency.

Editorial Independence Statement
We firmly believe in maintaining the highest standards of publishing practices. As such, we want to emphasise that the editorial decision-making process for manuscript acceptance is entirely independent of any financial considerations. The ability to pay the APC has no bearing on whether a manuscript is accepted for publication. Our editorial team and peer reviewers are not informed about the payment status of any submission, ensuring that all decisions are based solely on the scientific merit, originality, and relevance of the work. This separation of editorial and financial processes is crucial for maintaining transparency, ethics, and scientific rigour in our publication process.

Publisher Information

Name: Journal of Psychological Experience
Published Location: Victoria, Australia
Email: journal@jpsyexp.org
ISSN: 2982-2971

Acknowledgement of Country

Journal of Psychological Experience (JPsyExp) acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.