Aims & Scope
The Journal of Medical and Psychological Trauma (JMPT) publishes rigorous behavioral science research examining the psychological mechanisms, cognitive processes, and behavioral responses to traumatic experiences. We focus on understanding trauma through scientific measurement, theory development, and empirical investigation.
Research Domains
Tier 1: Core Research AreasPsychological Mechanisms of Trauma
- Cognitive processing of traumatic memories
- Emotional regulation following adverse events
- Attention and perception in trauma-exposed populations
- Neuropsychological correlates of stress responses
- Information processing models of PTSD
- Dissociation and altered consciousness states
"Examining attentional bias toward threat cues in individuals with trauma history using eye-tracking methodology"
Behavioral Assessment & Measurement
- Psychometric validation of trauma assessment tools
- Behavioral observation methods for stress responses
- Ecological momentary assessment of trauma symptoms
- Cross-cultural measurement equivalence
- Diagnostic classification and taxonomy development
- Physiological measurement of stress reactivity
"Validation of a brief screening instrument for acute stress disorder in emergency settings"
Social & Developmental Psychology of Trauma
- Social cognition in trauma-exposed individuals
- Developmental trajectories following adverse experiences
- Interpersonal behavior patterns post-trauma
- Social support perception and utilization
- Attachment theory and trauma responses
- Peer relationships and social functioning
"Longitudinal study of social withdrawal patterns in adolescents following community violence exposure"
Cognitive & Behavioral Models
- Theoretical models of trauma response
- Learning theory applications to trauma
- Memory consolidation and reconsolidation
- Decision-making under stress conditions
- Behavioral avoidance and approach patterns
- Cognitive appraisal processes
"Testing a dual-process model of fear extinction in laboratory-induced stress paradigms"
Epidemiological Research
Population-level studies examining trauma prevalence, risk factors, and behavioral outcomes using survey methodology and statistical modeling.
Methodological Innovation
Novel research methods for studying trauma, including experimental paradigms, computational modeling, and advanced statistical techniques.
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Cultural variations in trauma conceptualization, expression, and behavioral responses across diverse populations and contexts.
Occupational Psychology
Workplace stress, occupational trauma exposure, and behavioral consequences in high-risk professions (first responders, military personnel).
Health Psychology Perspectives
Behavioral pathways linking psychological trauma to health outcomes, health behavior changes, and stress-related physiological processes.
Technology & Digital Behavior
Digital phenotyping, smartphone-based assessment, virtual reality research paradigms, and technology-mediated behavioral research.
Computational Psychiatry
Machine learning applications for predicting trauma outcomes, computational models of symptom development, and algorithmic assessment approaches. Note: Requires additional editorial review for methodological rigor.
Neurocognitive Mechanisms
Brain-behavior relationships in trauma, neuropsychological assessment, and cognitive neuroscience approaches. Must emphasize behavioral outcomes and psychological theory.
Resilience Science
Psychological factors promoting adaptive responses, protective behavioral patterns, and positive psychology frameworks in trauma contexts.
Article Types & Editorial Priorities
Expedited Editorial Processing
Regular Editorial Timeline
Exceptional Circumstances Only
These formats require pre-submission inquiry and must demonstrate exceptional scientific contribution.
Editorial Standards & Requirements
Reporting Guidelines
All submissions must follow discipline-appropriate standards: CONSORT (trials), STROBE (observational), PRISMA (reviews), APA reporting standards (psychology).
Open Data Policy
Authors must share de-identified data, analysis code, and materials upon reasonable request. Data availability statements required for all empirical articles.
Ethics Approval
Human subjects research requires IRB/ethics committee approval. Animal research must follow ARRIVE guidelines and institutional animal care protocols.
Preprint Policy
Preprints on recognized servers (PsyArXiv, bioRxiv, medRxiv) are welcomed. Authors must disclose preprint posting during submission.
Preregistration
Preregistered studies (OSF, AsPredicted, ClinicalTrials.gov) receive priority consideration. Preregistration badges awarded for compliant studies.
Conflict of Interest
Full disclosure of financial relationships, institutional affiliations, and potential conflicts required from all authors and reviewers.
Editorial Decision Metrics
Ready to Submit Your Research?
If your work examines behavioral mechanisms, psychological processes, or cognitive responses to trauma through rigorous empirical methods, we want to hear from you.
Submit Manuscript
