About

Sahelian Journal of Psychotrauma and Psychosocial Studies (SJPPS)

The Sahelian Journal of Psychotrauma and Psychosocial Studies is a peer-reviewed journal launched by the Center for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, founded to address the unique challenges of the Sahel region and other conflict-affected settings. It provides a platform for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, humanitarian actors, graduate students, and early-career researchers to share evidence, innovations, and best practices in addressing the psychosocial and mental health consequences of trauma, conflict, disasters, and displacement.

Vision Statement

To become a premier platform dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and advocacy in psychotrauma and psychosocial studies, fostering resilience and well-being in Sahelian communities and beyond.

Mission Statement

The Sahelian Journal of Psychotrauma and Psychosocial Studies is committed to promoting high-quality, multidisciplinary research and dialogue on the psychological and social impacts of trauma. By focusing on culturally relevant, evidence-based practices, the journal seeks to empower professionals, policymakers, and communities to address mental health challenges and enhance psychosocial support systems in the Sahel region and globally.

We aim to:

Provide a platform for disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research and innovative approaches to understanding trauma and psychosocial challenges within the Sahel and similar contexts.
Bridge the gap between research and practice by promoting culturally informed, evidence-based interventions and policies.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among mental health professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers to address the unique psychosocial and trauma-related needs of the Sahelian population and beyond.
Raise awareness about the importance of addressing trauma and psychosocial issues as critical components of public health and development strategies in the Sahel region and beyond.
Advocate for global recognition and support of mental health and psychosocial well-being in regions affected by conflict, displacement, and other stressors.

Scope of the Sahelian Journal of Psychotrauma and Psychosocial Studies

The Sahelian Journal of Psychotrauma and Psychosocial Studies provides a multidisciplinary platform for exploring the psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of trauma and psychosocial well-being. It aims to address a wide array of topics related to trauma and psychosocial issues that reflect the diverse influences of psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and anthropology on understanding and addressing psychotrauma.

The journal welcomes original research, theoretical articles, reviews, case studies, and commentaries addressing the diverse challenges and solutions in the Sahel and similar regions.

The scope includes, but is not limited to:

1. Psychological Dimensions of Trauma

Studies on the prevalence, impact, and mechanisms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other trauma-related disorders.
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches for managing psychotrauma, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic interventions, and culturally adapted treatments.
Neuroscientific and biological studies on the impact of trauma.

2. Psychosocial and Cultural Studies

Research on the role of culture, traditions, and belief systems in shaping responses to trauma and mental health interventions.
Community-based psychosocial support models and their effectiveness in the Sahel and similar settings.
The intersection of social determinants (e.g., poverty, displacement, gender) and mental health outcomes.

3. Trauma in Conflict and Crisis Contexts

The impact of armed conflict, terrorism, displacement, and migration on mental health and psychosocial well-being.
Intervention studies targeting populations affected by crises, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and survivors of violence (GBV, child abuse).
Intergenerational and collective trauma.

4. Resilience and Recovery

Studies exploring individual, family, and community resilience in the face of trauma.
Approaches for promoting mental health recovery and well-being, including traditional healing practices and modern therapies.
Studies on coping strategies, post-traumatic growth, and help-seeking behaviour in response to trauma.

5. Policy, Advocacy, and Systems of Care

Analysis of mental health policies, psychosocial intervention programs, and systemic barriers in low-resource settings.
Advocacy for mental health funding, policy development, and capacity building in the Sahel region.
Evaluations of regional and international psychosocial initiatives.

6. Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations

Collaborative approaches involving psychiatry, psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, and other disciplines.
Technological and digital innovations in mental health care and psychosocial support.

7. Education and Training

Development and evaluation of training programs for mental health and psychosocial support professionals.
The role of education in enhancing awareness and reducing stigma related to psychotrauma and mental health.

8. Neurobiological Perspectives

Research exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of trauma responses.
Studies on the impact of trauma on physical health and comorbidities.

The journal invites contributions from researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and humanitarian actors, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding of psychotrauma and psychosocial challenges, with an emphasis on practical, culturally relevant solutions for the Sahel and similar settings worldwide.

Publication and Editorial Structure

Peer Review: SJPPS adheres to a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure the scientific quality, originality, and relevance of all published material. All manuscripts undergo initial editorial screening. Eligible papers are sent to at least two independent reviewers
Frequency: Quarterly (4 issues per year: March, June, September, December)
Indexing & Abstracting: African Journals Online (AJOL), Google Scholar, PUBMED, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
Publication Model: Open Access (OA)