Editorial: Thoughts on Establishing Research Significance and Preserving Scientific Integrity

In this opening editorial, I would like to welcome our readers authors, and reviewers, to the first issue of the Journal Pediatric Psychology (JPP) that has been edited by myself and our associate editors. As the new editor of JPP, I am mindful of the extraordinary tradition of excellence in editorship that I am following. Together with our very talented associate editor team and editorial board, we will work very hard to continue this tradition and develop JPP as the premier outlet for the best and the brightest of scientific scholarship in our field. In the spirit of continuous quality improvement, we have implemented a number of changes in order to enhance the scientific contribution of JPP and utility for our readers (see JPP website http://jpepsy.oxfordjournals. org/): (a) new requirements for manuscripts with respect to effect sizes and confidence intervals; (b) a new program that provides a mechanism for junior reviewers to obtain mentoring concerning their reviews; (c) opportunities for our authors to provide feedback about their experience in the review process; (d) communication of JPP updates via the listserve and Division 54 newsletter; (e) promotion of commentaries on published work and new ideas; (f) special sections that emphasize the development of science in high need areas. These priority areas involve two general categories: (a) research methods and models [e.g., methodological issues, single subject designs, case studies and series; and review articles, including meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (note: the section on RCTs has already been in place)]; and (b) scientific content areas (e.g., diversity and health care disparities, application of technological innovations, prevention science, and family influences and adaptation). These sections are edited by associate editors who are distinguished scholars. In this issue, our associate editor team presents an outstanding set of editorial statements that describe the scientific need for and focus of the sections. Authors have a standing invitation to contribute to scientific knowledge in each of these priority areas. Please feel free to contact our associate editors prior to your submission have a dialogue with them about the suitability of the topic and method of your research. It will be important that authors understand that the development of these sections in no way changes JPP’s commitment to publishing the highest quality science in the diverse portfolio of research that is reflected in the mission statement of the Society of Pediatric Psychology (see website). Content areas included in the vision statement include the following: psychosocial, developmental and contextual factors contributing to the etiology, course and outcome of pediatric medical conditions, assessment and treatment of behavioral and emotional concomitants of illness, injury, and developmental disorders, promotion of health and health-related behaviors, prevention, education, training and mentoring of psychologists and providers of medical care, improvement of health care delivery systems and advocacy for public policy that serves the needs of children, adolescents, and their families.