The Journal of Family Theory & Review (JFTR), published by NCFR, seeks to publish sections related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for families in forthcoming issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic and global responses to it have drastically impacted the way people “do family”. This historical event has highlighted vulnerabilities and strengths in families. To further understand these vulnerabilities and strengths, we need new theoretical insights into how the pandemic impacts family processes and literature reviews of how families have attempted to cope with crises of this magnitude and how they have exhibited resiliency. To that end, JFTR is currently soliciting theoretical or review papers examining the impacts of pandemic events (e.g., COVID-19) on family processes and outcomes. 

JFTR invites manuscripts on topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for families. Manuscripts will be reviewed as they are received and published as they are accepted.

Examples of topics and questions that might be covered include, but are not limited to: 

• Which measures do families take to protect their vulnerable members?
• How do pandemics affect family processes (e.g., home schooling of children, balancing work and family life)?
• How can family theories be revised so that they are better equipped to help us understand family responses to pandemics and so that professionals can more effectively support families’ coping efforts?
• How do families grieve as a result of pandemic-related infections and death?
• What are the economic consequences of pandemics on family financial resources? How do such experiences alter spending and saving patterns?
• How do pandemics promote strengths, or expose vulnerabilities, in families?
• How have families across varying global contexts responded to the pandemic? Which contextual factors (e.g., healthcare access) have contributed to variations in responses?
• How have different countries varied in terms of how they attempt to support families’ efforts to cope with the pandemic? 
• How do families decide when to violate social norms (e.g., visiting family or church and accepting such risks relatively to strict social distancing)?
• How do families navigate different perspectives on how to best manage family life in the face of pandemics (e.g., not worrying about home schooling vs. strictly following the guidelines of educators on what homework children should be doing)?  

Whether the manuscript focuses on family theories or literature reviews, theories should provide a framework for the analysis.

Manuscripts must be submitted via the Manuscript Central submission portal.

Manuscripts should be no longer than 35 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, APA format, MS Word file only. Page count does not include tables and figures.

See detailed manuscript preparation guidelines.

Contact the editorial office if you have questions about a potential submission.