Journal of Applied Psychology

Journal of Applied Psychology

Journal Name: Journal of Applied Psychology

Journal Type: Q1
ISSN: 00219010, 19391854
Country: United States
Subject Area and Category: Psychology Applied Psychology
Research Ranking: 21
Publication Type: Journals
H-Index: 353
Coverage: 1917-2025
Editors-in-Chief: Lillian T. Eby
Research Impact Score: 8.4
Impact Factor: 9.4
SCIMAGO SJR: 6.803
APC Cost: $3,840 USD
Contact Email: japplied@msu.edu
Address: 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, USA

Overview

The Journal of Applied Psychology is a premier, peer-reviewed academic journal that publishes cutting-edge research in the field of applied psychology, with a strong emphasis on workplace, organizational, and industrial psychology. Published by the American Psychological Association (APA), this journal has built a reputation for excellence since its inception in 1917, making it one of the oldest and most respected journals in the discipline.

Renowned for its scientific rigor, relevance, and impact, the Journal of Applied Psychology serves as a vital resource for psychologists, researchers, HR professionals, organizational leaders, and policy-makers who seek evidence-based insights into human behavior in real-world contexts.


Purpose and Vision

The primary aim of the Journal of Applied Psychology is to bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical application. The journal provides a platform for empirical studies that advance the understanding of human behavior in applied settings, particularly in the workplace and organizational environments. It supports the development of solutions for complex challenges involving employee well-being, leadership, performance, motivation, and organizational culture.


Key Areas of Focus

The journal's scope is broad yet focused, with key areas including:

  • Personnel Psychology: Selection, recruitment, training, and performance assessment

  • Organizational Behavior: Leadership, communication, teamwork, and workplace culture

  • Workplace Motivation and Engagement: Employee satisfaction, goal-setting, rewards systems

  • Occupational Health Psychology: Stress management, burnout, work-life balance

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics: Design of systems and environments that enhance performance and safety

  • Diversity and Inclusion: Cross-cultural psychology, equity, and representation in organizations

  • Decision-Making and Cognitive Processes: Bias, judgment, and behavior in the workplace

  • Technology and the Future of Work: Virtual teams, AI in HR, remote work dynamics

Each article published in the journal is carefully peer-reviewed and must contribute to the application of psychological principles in real-world contexts.


Global Impact and Readership

The Journal of Applied Psychology is indexed in leading databases such as PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). It consistently ranks among the top journals in both psychology and management categories and has a high impact factor, reflecting the influence and relevance of its published research.

Its global readership includes:

  • Academic researchers and university faculty

  • Graduate students in psychology and organizational behavior

  • Business leaders and HR professionals

  • Policy-makers and consultants

  • Clinicians and applied psychologists


Why It Matters

As organizations across the globe face new challenges—from digital transformation and remote work to mental health crises and diversity goals—the Journal of Applied Psychology provides the evidence-based insights needed to lead effectively and build healthier, more productive workplaces.

About

The Journal of Applied Psychology is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing impactful research in the field of applied psychology, with a primary focus on human behavior in organizational, work, and industrial settings. Published by the American Psychological Association (APA), the journal has been a cornerstone of psychological science since its establishment in 1917. For over a century, it has provided a platform for scholarly work that connects theoretical advancements with real-world applications in business, education, and healthcare environments.

This journal is recognized globally for its scientific rigor, relevance to practice, and contribution to evidence-based solutions in the modern workplace.


Aims and Objectives

The main goal of the Journal of Applied Psychology is to advance the application of psychological principles to problems of human behavior in various real-life settings, especially in the workplace. It emphasizes research that is both empirically grounded and practically significant, helping organizations, leaders, and practitioners make informed decisions that enhance performance, well-being, and productivity.

Each published article is subjected to a rigorous peer-review process and must meet high standards of methodological precision and theoretical contribution. The journal welcomes quantitative and qualitative research, meta-analyses, and innovative methodological approaches.


Topics Covered

The scope of the Journal of Applied Psychology is wide-ranging, but all articles must contribute to the understanding of applied psychological processes. Key focus areas include:

  • Personnel selection and recruitment

  • Training and development

  • Performance management and motivation

  • Leadership and organizational behavior

  • Employee engagement and satisfaction

  • Occupational health and stress management

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

  • Workplace safety and ergonomics

  • Cognitive processes and decision-making

  • Technology and its impact on work behavior

These topics reflect the journal’s mission to bridge scientific knowledge and practical implementation in modern organizational environments.


Who Should Read This Journal?

The Journal of Applied Psychology serves a diverse readership, including:

  • Academic researchers in psychology, management, and organizational studies

  • Human resources and training professionals

  • Organizational consultants and business leaders

  • Students in industrial-organizational psychology and behavioral science

  • Policy-makers and educators interested in workplace dynamics

The journal is frequently used as a resource for designing workplace interventions, improving organizational performance, and developing HR strategies rooted in science.


Global Reputation and Impact

With a high impact factor and consistent rankings among the top journals in applied psychology and management, the Journal of Applied Psychology is widely indexed in databases such as PsycINFO, Scopus, and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Its research is widely cited by academic and professional communities alike, demonstrating its value across disciplines.

Scope

The Journal of Applied Psychology is one of the most prestigious and widely cited publications in the field of psychology, particularly in areas related to workplace behavior, organizational development, and human performance. Published by the American Psychological Association (APA), this peer-reviewed journal focuses exclusively on original investigations that apply psychological theory and methods to real-world challenges.

The scope of the Journal of Applied Psychology reflects a broad yet targeted commitment to bridging research and practice across industries, cultures, and evolving work environments.


A Focus on Applied Psychology

At its core, the Journal of Applied Psychology emphasizes empirical research that addresses practical issues faced in professional, organizational, and community settings. Its primary mission is to foster understanding and application of psychological science to human behavior in real-life contexts, especially within the workplace.

The journal seeks to publish studies that not only advance theory but also offer actionable insights for professionals, leaders, and policy-makers.


Key Areas of Coverage

The Journal of Applied Psychology covers a wide array of research areas that are vital to both industrial-organizational psychology and occupational health psychology. Its scope includes, but is not limited to, the following domains:

1. Personnel Psychology

Research in this area examines recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisal, and career development, providing insights that enhance organizational talent management practices.

2. Organizational Behavior

Topics include leadership, teamwork, decision-making, communication, and organizational culture. These studies help organizations build stronger, more resilient teams and structures.

3. Motivation and Performance

Articles explore the psychological drivers behind employee motivation, goal setting, rewards, and productivity, offering strategies for performance enhancement.

4. Occupational Health and Well-Being

This area focuses on workplace stress, burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, work-life balance, and psychological safety, reflecting growing interest in employee wellness.

5. Diversity and Inclusion

Research in this category examines equity, discrimination, cross-cultural psychology, and inclusion initiatives to support more inclusive and ethical workplaces.

6. Technology and the Future of Work

The journal also welcomes research on remote work, digital collaboration, automation, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping employee experiences.


Methodological Diversity

While the Journal of Applied Psychology maintains high standards for methodological rigor, it supports a wide range of research methodologies, including:

  • Quantitative studies

  • Longitudinal designs

  • Meta-analyses and systematic reviews

  • Field and laboratory experiments

  • Qualitative and mixed-method research (when theoretically driven)

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