Aims & Scope
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Mental Health (JBTM) publishes rigorous empirical research on behavioral mechanisms, cognitive processes, and psychological measurement that advance the scientific understanding of human behavior and mental functioning.
Behavioral Theory
Cognitive Mechanisms
Psychological Assessment
Social Behavior
Measurement Validation
Research Scope: Tiered Structure
Tier 1: Core Research Domains
Behavioral Theory & Mechanisms
- Behavioral models and theoretical frameworks
- Learning theory and conditioning mechanisms
- Behavioral activation and reinforcement patterns
- Habit formation and behavioral change processes
- Decision-making and choice behavior
- Behavioral economics and judgment
Typical Fit:
"Neural correlates of reward-based learning in probabilistic choice tasks: An fMRI investigation of reinforcement sensitivity"
Cognitive Processes & Assessment
- Cognitive assessment tool development and validation
- Attention, memory, and executive function measurement
- Cognitive bias identification and quantification
- Information processing models
- Metacognition and self-regulation
- Cognitive load and performance measurement
Typical Fit:
"Validation of a computerized working memory assessment battery: Psychometric properties and normative data across the lifespan"
Psychological Measurement & Psychometrics
- Scale development and validation studies
- Psychometric evaluation of assessment instruments
- Cross-cultural measurement equivalence
- Item response theory applications
- Reliability and validity studies
- Diagnostic accuracy and classification methods
Typical Fit:
"Psychometric properties of the Behavioral Inhibition Scale-Revised: Factor structure and measurement invariance across gender and age groups"
Social & Interpersonal Behavior
- Social cognition and perception
- Interpersonal dynamics and relationship patterns
- Social influence and conformity mechanisms
- Group behavior and collective decision-making
- Cultural factors in behavioral expression
- Social identity and self-concept
Typical Fit:
"The role of social comparison orientation in behavioral responses to peer feedback: An experimental investigation"
Tier 2: Secondary Focus Areas
Neurocognitive Mechanisms
- Brain-behavior relationships
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Cognitive neuroscience of behavior
- Neuroimaging correlates of psychological processes
Developmental Behavioral Science
- Lifespan behavioral development
- Age-related cognitive changes
- Developmental psychopathology mechanisms
- Longitudinal behavioral trajectories
Methodological Innovations
- Novel assessment methodologies
- Computational modeling of behavior
- Machine learning in behavioral prediction
- Ecological momentary assessment
Biopsychosocial Models
- Integrated models of behavior
- Environmental influences on cognition
- Stress and coping mechanisms
- Health behavior models
Affective Science
- Emotion regulation mechanisms
- Affective processing and measurement
- Mood and behavioral correlates
- Emotional intelligence assessment
Personality & Individual Differences
- Personality trait measurement
- Temperament and behavioral style
- Individual differences in cognition
- Personality-behavior relationships
Tier 3: Emerging Research Areas
Digital Behavior Assessment
- Digital phenotyping of behavior
- Smartphone-based behavioral monitoring
- Virtual reality in behavioral research
- AI-driven behavioral analysis
Note: Manuscripts in emerging areas undergo additional editorial review to ensure alignment with core behavioral science focus.
Cross-Cultural Behavioral Science
- Cultural variations in behavior
- Cross-national measurement studies
- Cultural adaptation of assessments
- Indigenous psychology perspectives
Behavioral Genetics & Epigenetics
- Gene-behavior associations
- Heritability of behavioral traits
- Gene-environment interactions
- Epigenetic influences on behavior
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Priority 1
Fast-Track Review (14-21 days to first decision)
Original Research
Systematic Reviews
Meta-Analyses
Measurement Studies
Validation Studies
Methods Papers
Priority 2
Standard Review (28-35 days to first decision)
Short Communications
Data Notes
Replication Studies
Theoretical Perspectives
Registered Reports
Rarely Considered
Requires Strong Justification
Opinion Pieces
Commentaries
Book Reviews
Note: These article types are considered only when they make substantial methodological or theoretical contributions to behavioral science.
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
All submissions must follow appropriate reporting standards:
- CONSORT for randomized trials
- STROBE for observational studies
- PRISMA for systematic reviews
- ARRIVE for animal research
- STARD for diagnostic accuracy
Data Transparency
We strongly encourage:
- Open data sharing (OSF, Figshare, Dryad)
- Analysis code availability
- Materials and measures sharing
- Pre-registration of hypotheses
Ethics & Compliance
Required documentation:
- IRB/Ethics committee approval
- Informed consent procedures
- Animal welfare compliance (if applicable)
- Conflict of interest disclosure
Statistical Rigor
Expectations:
- A priori power analysis
- Effect size reporting
- Confidence intervals
- Appropriate corrections for multiple testing
Preprint Policy
We welcome preprints:
- Posting on arXiv, PsyArXiv, bioRxiv permitted
- Does not affect consideration
- Must be disclosed at submission
- Final version must acknowledge journal publication
Reproducibility
We value:
- Detailed methodology sections
- Replication studies
- Null results publication
- Transparent reporting of deviations
Submission Information
Online Submission System
Submit via Manuscriptzone. Register as author, provide manuscript details (title, article type, abstract), and upload files.
Email Submission
Alternative: Send submission files to Editorial Office with complete manuscript package.
Web Form
Use our online submission form to upload files directly through the website.
