Journal of Pediatric Psychology highlights

Several exciting special issues forthcoming in 2014 and a reminder about the new Topical Review submission option.

By Grayson N. Holmbeck, PhD

Based on the number of submissions thus far in 2013, it appears that we will once again be processing over 300 manuscripts this year. Typically, between 25 and 30 percent of this total are rejected without review because of lack of fit with the Journal of Pediatric Psychology ( JPP ) or because of methodological concerns. The rest of the papers are processed by my office or by one of our six capable associate editors.

Since the last issue of Progress Notes , we published a special issue on “Adherence in Pediatric Medical Conditions” (guest edited by Lori Stark, PhD, in issue #6) as well as three systematic reviews (in issues #7 and #8). The next issue of JPP (issue #9) will be a special issue entitled “Innovative Treatment and Prevention Programs for Pediatric Overweight and Obesity,” which was guest edited by David Janicke, PhD, and Ric Steele, PhD.

Also, two new calls for papers were distributed via the Div. 54 email list and in recent issues of JPP . One of these is a special issue on Direct Observation Research in Pediatric Psychology (to be guest edited by Tim Wysocki, PhD) and the other focuses on Peer Relations in Youth with Chronic Illness (to be guest co-edited by Vicki Helgeson, PhD, and Grayson Holmbeck, PhD). Submission due dates for these special issues are Feb. 1, 2014 and March 1, 2014, respectively.

Also ongoing is a special issue on Evidence-Based Interventions in Pediatric Psychology (guest edited by Tonya Palermo, PhD), which will be a follow-up to an earlier special issue on this topic and will help to inform Division 54’s “evidence-based” website. One exciting feature of this special issue is that it will be published simultaneously with a related special issue in the Society of Pediatric Psychology’s new journal, Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology ( CPPP; guest edited by Bryan D. Carter, PhD).

I would like to remind readers about our new “Topical Reviews” submission option; these reviews are meant to be brief up-to-date reviews on the latest hot topics in our field. The format for this submission mechanism is described on our web site (see “Instructions to Authors” link below). Specifically, topical reviews summarize contemporary findings, suggest new conceptual models, or highlight noteworthy or controversial issues in pediatric psychology. They are limited to 2,000 words, contain no more than two tables or figures, and have an upper limit of 30 references. Supplementary online material (e.g., additional tables) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

As always, I want to thank the associate editors for their remarkable work (Dean Beebe, John Lavigne, Tonya Palermo, Lori Stark, Ric Steele and Tim Wysocki) and Susan Wood for her excellent work as the editorial assistant for the journal.

To submit manuscripts, see the instructions to authors . If you have feedback or questions, please contact me .