About Journal of Depression and Therapy
Advancing behavioral science understanding of depression through rigorous peer-reviewed research on psychological mechanisms, assessment methods, cognitive processes, and evidence-based interventions
JDT publishes research that advances understanding of depression through behavioral science methodologies. Our journal focuses on scientific investigation rather than clinical practice, emphasizing the measurement, mechanisms, and theoretical frameworks that explain depressive behavior and cognition.
Validation studies of depression assessment instruments, psychometric analyses, behavioral coding systems, and measurement innovations
Experimental research on attention, memory, executive function, decision-making, and information processing in depression
Investigations of interpersonal processes, social cognition, relationship patterns, and environmental influences on depressive behavior
Theoretical models of depression, behavioral reinforcement patterns, learning processes, and conceptual frameworks
Development and validation of screening tools, diagnostic accuracy studies, and assessment methodology research
Behavioral treatment outcome studies, mechanism research, comparative effectiveness, and intervention component analyses
Behavioral prevention programs, risk factor identification, protective factor research, and early intervention studies
Population-level behavioral patterns, prevalence studies, longitudinal investigations, and community-based research
JDT accepts diverse manuscript types that contribute rigorous behavioral science evidence to the depression research literature. All submissions undergo peer review by experts in behavioral research methodology, statistics, and depression science.
Original Research
Empirical investigations using experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, or survey methodologies with appropriate statistical analyses
Systematic Reviews
Comprehensive evidence syntheses following PRISMA guidelines with meta-analytic or narrative synthesis approaches
Measurement Studies
Psychometric validation research, instrument development, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement equivalence studies
Theoretical Papers
Conceptual frameworks, theoretical models, and integrative reviews that advance understanding of depression mechanisms
Methodological Reports
Novel assessment approaches, analytical techniques, research designs, or methodological innovations for depression research
Brief Reports
Concise communications of preliminary findings, replication studies, or focused investigations on specific research questions
Submission Methods
- Online Portal: Submit via our online submission form for rapid processing
- Email Submission: Send manuscripts to [email protected] with all required components
- Manuscript Zone: Create an account at Manuscript Zone to track submission status
Required Components
- Structured abstract summarizing research question, methods, findings, and implications
- Detailed methodology section with study design, participants, measures, and analytical approach
- Comprehensive results with appropriate statistical reporting and effect sizes
- Discussion contextualizing findings within behavioral science literature
- Follow journal-specific formatting guidelines for structure and style
- Provide clear title reflecting research focus, methodology, and population studied
- Include keywords aligned with behavioral science terminology and depression research descriptors
- State research objectives and hypotheses with theoretical or empirical justification
- Describe participant characteristics, recruitment procedures, and inclusion/exclusion criteria
- Document assessment instruments with psychometric properties and administration procedures
- Report statistical analyses with software versions, procedures used, and assumption testing
- Present results systematically with tables and figures following APA formatting standards
- Discuss theoretical implications, limitations, and directions for future behavioral research
- Cite all sources using APA format with complete reference information
- Proofread carefully for clarity, grammar, and scientific accuracy before submission
Depression research published in JDT contributes to the scientific foundation for understanding this prevalent mental health condition. Our journal advances knowledge across multiple domains critical to behavioral science and public health.
Published research expands theoretical understanding of depression etiology, maintenance, and behavioral manifestations through rigorous empirical investigation
Psychometric studies enhance assessment precision, enabling more accurate identification and monitoring of depressive symptoms across populations
Behavioral mechanism research informs the design and refinement of evidence-based interventions targeting specific cognitive and behavioral processes
Risk factor identification and protective factor research guide the development of prevention programs for at-risk populations
Epidemiological and population-based research quantifies depression burden and informs resource allocation for mental health services
International research contributions illuminate cultural variations in depression expression, assessment, and behavioral manifestations
JDT operates as a fully open access journal, ensuring published research reaches global audiences without subscription barriers. All articles are freely available immediately upon publication under Creative Commons licensing, maximizing research impact and accessibility for researchers, educators, and health professionals worldwide.
The journal charges Article Processing Charges (APCs) to support editorial operations, peer review management, copyediting, production, and digital preservation. These fees enable sustainable open access publishing while maintaining rigorous quality standards throughout the editorial process.
Open Access Benefits
- Immediate unrestricted access to published research
- Increased citation potential and research visibility
- Global dissemination to researchers and practitioners
- Compliance with funder open access mandates
- Permanent digital preservation and archiving
Author Rights
- Authors retain copyright to their published work
- Creative Commons licensing allows broad reuse
- Authors can share, adapt, and build upon published research
- Published articles can be deposited in institutional repositories
- Authors receive permanent DOI links for their publications
Submit Your Depression Research to JDT
Join our international community of behavioral scientists advancing understanding of depression through rigorous empirical research. JDT provides rapid peer review, global visibility, and open access dissemination for high-quality behavioral science investigations.
