Review Papers

The Review Paper section publishes comprehensive Narrative reviews, Systematic reviews, Meta-analyses, and integrative theoretical papers addressing topics at the intersection of psychology and technology. Submissions must critically synthesise existing literature, identify research gaps, and propose conceptual or practical advancements. Authors should follow recognised reporting standards where applicable (e.g., PRISMA for systematic reviews). All manuscripts undergo Double-blind peer review to ensure scholarly accuracy, methodological transparency, and academic contribution. Submissions containing mere summaries without analytical interpretation will not be considered.

The Review Papers section of the International Journal of Psychology and Therapy (IJPT) publishes high-quality, critical syntheses of existing scholarship that advance conceptual clarity and cumulative knowledge at the intersection of psychology and technology. In line with international standards and the expectations of indexing systems such as Scopus and the Web of Science, IJPT prioritises reviews that are methodologically transparent, theoretically grounded, and of clear scholarly value. Submissions should go beyond description to offer critical appraisal, identify gaps, and propose future research directions.

This section welcomes systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and rigorous narrative reviews across domains including cyberpsychology, digital well-being, human–computer interaction, artificial intelligence in behavioural contexts, virtual/augmented reality, online learning, and technology-assisted mental health. Reviews should integrate multidisciplinary evidence where appropriate and demonstrate relevance to contemporary issues and global contexts. Papers that synthesise emerging areas, reconcile conflicting findings, or develop integrative frameworks are particularly encouraged.

• Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: Must follow established protocols (e.g., PRISMA), include a comprehensive search strategy, explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria, quality appraisal, and, where applicable, statistical synthesis.
• Scoping Reviews: Map the breadth of literature, clarify key concepts, and identify research gaps using transparent methods.
• Narrative/Integrative Reviews: Provide critical, theory-driven synthesis with clear rationale for study selection and a coherent conceptual contribution.

Manuscripts should adhere to APA 7th edition style and typically include: Title, Abstract (150–250 words), Keywords (4–6), Introduction (rationale and objectives), Methods (search strategy, databases, time frame, inclusion criteria, quality appraisal), Results (study characteristics and synthesis), Discussion (critical analysis and implications), Conclusion, and References. For systematic work, authors should include a PRISMA flow diagram and, where relevant, tables summarising included studies. Clear, reproducible methods are essential.

IJPT expects rigorous methodology, including comprehensive database searches (e.g., PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science), transparent screening procedures, and explicit criteria for study selection. Quality or risk-of-bias assessments should be reported for included studies. For meta-analyses, appropriate effect size calculations, heterogeneity assessments, and publication bias analyses are required. Authors must ensure accurate citation practices and balanced interpretation of evidence.

All submissions undergo double-blind peer review by at least two subject experts. Evaluation criteria include: originality of synthesis, methodological transparency, comprehensiveness of coverage, critical depth, clarity of presentation, and contribution to theory, practice, or policy. Authors may be asked to revise manuscripts to address reviewer feedback. Final decisions rest with the Editor-in-Chief based on scholarly merit.

Authors are encouraged to provide supplementary materials such as search strings, screening checklists, data extraction sheets, and analytic code where applicable. A Data Availability Statement should clarify access to any underlying datasets or materials. Registration of systematic reviews (e.g., PROSPERO) is recommended where appropriate.

The Review Papers section aims to publish authoritative syntheses that guide future research, inform evidence-based practice, and shape policy discourse. IJPT prioritises reviews with international relevance, interdisciplinary integration, and high citation potential, thereby strengthening the journal’s impact within the global research community.