question about publishing thesis

[bluebluesky]

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Hi, I asked a question before concerning the possibilities of publishing my thesis. My master's in clinical psychology, where I did my thesis from, is different from my current Phd program. My two questions are:

1. My current advisor may be able to help review the written manuscript once or twice. I wonder in this case should I add her as an co-author? I probably have 3 right now including me so by adding her will be 4. I am not sure if it will look good and not sure if she would mind if I don't add her.

2. How do you choose which journal to send the manuscript to? I found some impact factors online but is this the best criterion for journal selection? Can you name a few best journals in clinical psychology field? I know Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology and Journal of Abnormal Psychology are good. Probably will consider Journal of cross-cultural Psychology too. Is Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment good too? thanks.​

 

[Ollie123]

For #1, I'd email your formal advisor and ask them their thoughts. To me, it depends on the extent your new advisor is involved and whether they "REALLY" bring something to the table on this paper. I think mentioning their name in a footnote is acceptable in that situation, and I think most advisors would be happy to look through a paper for one of their students even if they are not an author.

2) Difficult question and I can't tell you where to submit without reading the paper. I'd suggest skimming a couple copies of each journal you are considering to see what papers look "most" like yours. If your study doesn't have relatively treatment implications (i.e. is a treatment study, or is about treatment in some other way), JCCP will probably just send it back to you without a formal review and say no. Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment isn't "bad", but its certainly nowhere NEAR the same league as Abnormal and JCCP.

Also worth considering is how much time you want to invest, and a serious, objective look at the quality of the study and writing. Most people love their own work, but its important to keep some manner of perspective about it and be realistic about it🙂 You might want to aim high and accept the possibility of several rejections. You might want this study done and over with and just be "in press" SOMEWHERE, in which case you can aim lower.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

You are definitely aiming high, though I'd also suggest checking out smaller journals that may fit your niche.