In 1997 Cognitive Therapy and Research celebrates its 20th anniversary. The journal was founded by the pioneers of contemporary cognitive-clinical psychology, many of whom still serve on the advisory board. Cognitive Therapy and Research's appearance came at a time when the examination of cognition was only beginning to be considered a legitimate approach to the treatment and study of psychological dysfunction. This ascendance to legitimacy started largely with the development of social learning theory, and was followed primarily by research whose aim was to expand the role of cognitive approaches in the development of effective treatment procedures. More recently, examination of the cognitive mechanisms of psychological disorders has become a central focus of cognitive-clinical research efforts. Through all of these efforts, cognitive approaches to psychopathology have become a well-accepted and respected subset of scientific approaches to the study of psychological functioning.
Cognitive Therapy and Research has played an important role in advancing the study of cognition in a clinical context to its current mainstream status. Since it's inception in 1977, Cognitive Therapy and Research has witnessed substantial growth in the breadth and quality of its articles. Under the adept guidance of the journal's first three editors, Michael Mahoney, Steven Hollon, and Philip Kendall, Cognitive Therapy and Research has become the premier journal for the dissemination of information on cognitive functioning in various psychological problems. As the journal enters its third decade of publication, it is clear that in a science as young as psychology, Cognitive Therapy and Research in particular and cognitive-clinical psychology in general have withstood the test of time.
The current stature of Cognitive Therapy and Research heavily influences my editorial philosophy; I see little reason to tinker with success. Thus, much of my editorial policy reflects a reaffirmation of the previous editorial policies that have served this journal so well. With the help of an exceptional group of Associate Editors and a talented Editorial Board, I intend to work to maintain the position of Cognitive Therapy and Research established by my predecessors as the premier journal for cognitive research on clinical issues.
The core term in the name of the journal, "cognitive," commits the journal to publishing articles on a particular paradigm. This commitment, however, is neither restrictive nor is it narrowly defined; broad perspectives on cognition as it pertains to psychological dysfunction are welcome. Papers that examine the interaction between cognitive and other approaches to dysfunction (e.g., behavioral, social, biological, etc.) are both welcomed and encouraged. Likewise, the journal's focus allows for a broad range of topics within the domain of the cognitive assessment, treatment, and description of psychological dysfunction. All topics that pertain to psychological problems are appropriate. These topics include, but are by no means limited to, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, substance abuse, disorders of childhood and adolescence, psychological dysfunction in aging, and personality (both clinically relevant personality processes and personality disorders). Cognitive studies of broadly defined psychological distress are also appropriate topics as are studies of the cognitive causes or correlates of psychopathological processes (e.g., variables such as dissociation or maladaptive interpersonal interactions as they pertain to dysfunction). The focus of the journal is obviously cognitive, but as should be apparent, the domain covered is exceptionally broad.
Regardless of the particular topic or cognitive approach taken, the mainstay of the journal will continue to be empirical reports that describe the treatment, assessment, correlates, and mechanisms of psychological dysfunction. Absolute methodological perfection in these reports is not possible and is therefore not expected. What is expected is that articles advance the field. This can occur in many different ways. For example, an article can provide new knowledge or information on a particular clinical problem or issue. Conversely, an article in and of itself may not move the field forward, but it may stimulate others that do. In all cases, however, while perfection is not expected, the methodology must be sound and appropriate for the problem under study.
Although empirical articles will no doubt continue to be the mainstay of Cognitive Therapy and Research, theoretical and review articles that enhance the conceptual understanding of cognitive-clinical issues also advance the field and are therefore encouraged. Additionally, from time to time well-respected researchers and scholars will be invited to contribute articles for special issues on timely and important topics. Such special issues offer a unique opportunity to combine theoretical and empirical articles on a given topic in ways that further understanding of the topic.
A journal can serve several different purposes. One of the major purposes of Cognitive Therapy and Research, particularly in its early years, was to advance the field of cognitive-clinical psychology. The main purpose of this or any other journal, however, is to disseminate the results of scientific inquiry. To facilitate this dissemination, Cognitive Therapy and Research has established sites on the World Wide Web:
At the start of this editorial, I mentioned the history of Cognitive Therapy and Research. As the journal begins its 21st year I am honored to be at its helm. Cognitive Therapy and Research will celebrate its 25th anniversary shortly after the arrival of the 21st century. On behalf of the Associate Editors and the Editorial Board, I can say that with a healthy respect for the history of the Cognitive Therapy and Research, we look eagerly toward the future and new millennium.