Journal information

Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice^® (CFP) is a scholarly journal publishing peer-reviewed papers representing the science and practice of couple and family psychology. CFP is the official publication of APA Division 43 (Society for Couple and Family Psychology) and is intended to be a forum for scholarly dialogue regarding the most important emerging issues in the field, a primary outlet for research particularly as it impacts practice and for papers regarding education, public policy, and the identity of the profession of couple and family psychology.

As the official journal for the Society, CFP will provide a home for the members of the division and those in other fields interested in the most cutting-edge issues in couple and family psychology. Unlike other journals in the field, CFP is focused specifically on couple and family psychology as a specialty practice, unique scientific domain, and critical element of psychological knowledge.

CFP will seek and publish scholarly manuscripts that make a contribution to the knowledge base of couple and family psychology specifically, and the science and practice of working with individuals, couples, and families.

The journal is designed in format and in vision with the following goals:

• provide a mechanism to promote the integration of the science and practice of couple and family psychology;
• make a strong contribution to the scholarship of couple and family psychology;
• promote the interdisciplinary nature of couple and family psychology;
• enhance the international focus on couple and family psychology;
• promote education and training in couple and family psychology; and
• promote the issues of social justice and multicultural competence as they relate to couple and family psychology.

Journal diversity statement

As a specialty, Couple and Family Psychology is founded on the principles of systems theory and is committed to embedding diversity in all areas of research, practice, and training. CFP implements the revised APA multicultural guidelines, which emphasize the integration of an ecological approach to diversity (APA, 2017). CFP also includes a deep understanding that diversity extends well beyond race and ethnicity, including but not limited to variables such as gender, ability status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, language, and acculturation levels, and acknowledging the impact that the intersectionality of each of these aspects has on couples and families.

Now more than ever, it is vital for couple and family psychologists to not only inform themselves but to also inform others about ethnic and cultural differences and similarities between and within individuals of all backgrounds. Given the growing diversity among couples and families and the quickly changing environmental systems impacting individuals, it is imperative that couple and family psychologists be committed to cultural sensitivity and cultural humility. As systemically-focused professional psychologists, we are committed to continually aspiring to cultural competence. This includes advancing our clinical and empirical knowledge about diverse couples and families and their important contexts, increasing our awareness and confronting structural oppression and the biases within our profession and ourselves, and developing the skills necessary to work with couples and families of all backgrounds and identities.

APA regularly publishes task force reports and guidelines regarding many areas of diversity. It is expected that Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice authors, reviewers, and editors stay abreast of and adhere to the current guidelines and methods of demonstrating cultural competence and humility.

Disclaimer: APA and the editors of Couple and Family Psychology assume no responsibility for statements and opinions advanced by the authors of its articles.