Journal of Happiness and Health (JOHAH) is an international, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing knowledge on the relationships between well-being and health. The journal aims to provide a scholarly platform for the dissemination of high-quality research addressing various dimensions of well-being, including psychological, emotional, social, and subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, character strengths, resilience, optimism, hope, quality of life, and related positive human attributes within the context of physical and mental health.
JOHAH welcomes original empirical studies, theoretical contributions, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and evidence-based perspectives from psychology, health sciences, medicine, sociology, education, family studies, public health, economics, and other relevant disciplines. The journal encourages interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to understanding, the promotion of, and the maintenance of health and well-being across diverse populations and cultural contexts.
Initial Editorial Assessment
All manuscripts submitted to JOHAH undergo an initial editorial assessment conducted by the Editor-in-Chief and/or Associate Editors. During this stage, manuscripts are evaluated for their relevance to the journal’s aims and scope, scientific quality, originality, ethical compliance, and adherence to the journal’s submission guidelines.
Manuscripts may be rejected without external review if they:
Authors are informed promptly when a manuscript is deemed unsuitable for further consideration.
Editorial Pre-Review
Manuscripts that pass the initial assessment are assigned to an Associate Editor with expertise relevant to the manuscript’s subject area. The Associate Editor conducts a detailed evaluation of the manuscript, including its theoretical background, literature review, methodology, data analysis, findings, discussion, and overall contribution to the field.
The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that manuscripts meet the journal’s standards regarding scientific quality, originality, relevance, and ethical integrity before proceeding to external peer review.
Peer Review Process
JOHAH employs a double-anonymous peer-review process, in which the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process.
Manuscripts deemed suitable after editorial pre-review are sent to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant field. Reviewers are selected based on their academic qualifications, research experience, and subject-matter expertise.
Reviewers are expected to evaluate manuscripts objectively and confidentially, considering factors such as:
Reviewers are required to maintain confidentiality and must not disclose, share, or use any information contained in the manuscript for personal or professional advantage.
Editorial Decision
The final publication decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief based on the recommendations of the reviewers and the assessment of the responsible Associate Editor. Decisions may include acceptance, minor revision, major revision, or rejection.
The editorial team is committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, timely, and unbiased review process in accordance with internationally recognized standards of publication ethics.