Submissions
Submission Preparation Checklist
As part of the submission process, authors are required to confirm their manuscript's compliance with all the following items. Submissions that do not adhere to these requirements will be returned to the authors for adjustments or summarily rejected.
1. Metadata and Author Identification
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Complete Registration: I confirm that all authors have an updated profile in the system, including: full name, ORCID (validated URL), institutional email, academic affiliation, and a biographical summary (Mini-CV).
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Mandatory Information: I declare that I am aware that the absence of complete metadata for any co-author is grounds for the preliminary rejection of the manuscript.
2. Originality and Novelty
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Exclusivity: The contribution is original, unpublished, and is not currently under evaluation by another journal. If the work has been published in preprint repositories or conference proceedings, this condition has been duly reported in "Comments to the Editor."
3. Formatting and Stylistic Standards (APA 7)
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Guidelines: The text strictly follows the style standards and bibliographic requirements described in the Author Guidelines.
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Technical Layout: The file is formatted with single spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and uses italics instead of underlining (except for URLs).
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Graphic Elements: Tables and figures are embedded in the body of the text, near their callouts, in accordance with APA standards for electronic manuscripts.
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Link Accessibility: All URLs in the text are active, verified, and ready for immediate access.
4. Integrity of Peer Review (Double-Blind Review)
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Anonymity in the Text: All author identification has been removed from the body of the work and the bibliographic references, replaced by the term "Author."
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File Metadata: I confirm that personal identification properties have been removed from the digital files (following the "Inspect Document" procedure).
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File Division: The submission consists of two distinct files:
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Main Document: Fully anonymized text and abstracts.
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Title Page: Full author details, affiliation, ORCID, funding, and other identifying information.
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5. Ethical Declarations and Copyright
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Linguistic Revision: I declare that the manuscript has undergone a rigorous technical and grammatical revision prior to submission.
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Copyright: I am aware that the authors retain copyright, granting the journal the right of first publication under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.
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Research Ethics: I certify that the study complies with current research ethics standards and, where applicable, has the approval of the competent Ethics Committee.
Artigos
EVALUATION POLICY
CONVERGÊNCIAS: Families and Public Policies adopts a double-blind peer review system, in which the identities of authors and reviewers remain confidential throughout the entire editorial process.
All submissions are evaluated in accordance with best practices in research ethics and editorial conduct.
1. Editorial Screening (Desk Review)
In the initial stage, the Editorial Assistant and/or the Editor-in-Chief assess the manuscript with regard to:
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Alignment with the journal’s scope;
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Compliance with the Instructions for Authors;
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Adherence to current APA formatting standards;
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Originality verification through plagiarism-detection software;
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Compliance with ethical and scientific best practices.
Manuscripts that do not meet the formal requirements or fall outside the journal’s scope may be returned for revision or rejected at this stage.
2. Peer Review Process
Manuscripts approved during the initial screening are submitted to at least two independent external reviewers with expertise in the relevant subject area.
Reviewers submit their reports through the OJS system and may recommend:
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Acceptance;
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Acceptance with revisions;
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Resubmission for further review;
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Rejection.
When necessary, an additional review may be requested.
3. Editorial Decision
The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief, based on the reviewers’ recommendations. If accepted, the manuscript proceeds to editing, formatting, and publication.
GUIDELINES BY ARTICLE TYPE
Original Articles
Original articles must present unpublished empirical or theoretical research grounded in the principles of:
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Originality;
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Scientific relevance;
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Theoretical and methodological consistency;
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Analytical clarity and rigor.
The manuscript must demonstrate a significant contribution to the fields of Health and Human and Social Sciences.
Length: 12 to 17 pages, including abstract, resumen, and references.
To ensure the double-blind review process, author identification must be submitted in a separate document.
In the final accepted version, a footnote must include:
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Highest academic degree;
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Institutional affiliation;
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Department or Graduate Program;
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Research group;
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Funding agency (if applicable);
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City and Country;
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Email address;
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ORCID iD.
Literature Review Articles
Review articles must provide critical analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of the scientific literature on a relevant and current topic, including:
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State of the art;
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Main theoretical contributions;
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Existing gaps;
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Future research perspectives.
Length: 12 to 15 pages, including abstract, resumen, and references.
They must follow the same editorial standards applicable to original articles.
Resumo expandido
GUIDELINES FOR EXTENDED ABSTRACT SUBMISSION (APA 7th EDITION)
1. Definition
An extended abstract (Master’s thesis in progress, Educational Technical Product, or Undergraduate Final Paper) is an expanded version of a conventional academic abstract. Unlike a traditional abstract (150–250 words), the extended abstract provides a more detailed presentation of the study, typically ranging from 500 to 1,000 words or more, depending on the nature of the work.
It must systematically address:
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Context and introduction
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Objectives
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Methodology
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Results (partial or final)
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Discussion
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Conclusions
The purpose is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the study, enabling an informed decision about consulting the full work.
The full text of the extended abstract must not exceed six (6) pages, excluding references.
2. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)
Manuscripts must follow these specifications:
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A4 paper
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2.54 cm margins
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Times New Roman, 12-point font
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Double spacing throughout
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Left-aligned text (not justified)
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1.27 cm paragraph indentation
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Block quotations (over 40 words) indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks
All submissions must comply with the American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines.
3. Title and Author Information
The title must:
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Be centered
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In bold
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Written in Title Case (not all caps)
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Contain a maximum of 20 words
Below the title, include:
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Full name(s) of the author(s)
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Supervisor(s), when applicable
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Institutional affiliation (University and Program)
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Email address of the corresponding author
4. Abstract
The abstract must:
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Contain a maximum of 250 words
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Be written in a single paragraph
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Clearly present the rationale, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions
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Not include citations, tables, figures, or references
After the abstract, include three to five keywords separated by semicolons:
Keywords: keyword 1; keyword 2; keyword 3.
5. Introduction
The introduction must:
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Provide contextualization and theoretical grounding
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Clearly state the research problem
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Include a concise literature review
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End with an explicit statement of objectives
Maximum recommended length: 1,000 words.
6. Methodology
The methodology must:
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Clearly describe procedures
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Allow study replication
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Indicate analytical methods and instruments
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Include relevant methodological references
Maximum recommended length: 500 words.
7. Results and Discussion
This section must present:
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Data obtained so far (partial or final)
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Analysis grounded in the literature
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Discussion of contributions, limitations, and relevance
Tables and figures must follow APA standards.
No specific word limit applies, provided the total text does not exceed six pages.
8. Conclusions
Conclusions must:
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Be written in the present tense
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Be clear and objective
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Directly relate to the study objectives
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Avoid additional commentary or citations
Maximum length: 200 words.
9. Text Organization
Headings must follow APA 7 heading levels. Do not number sections.
References must begin on a new page under the heading:
References
10. Citations (APA 7)
Short direct quotation:
“Quotation” (Pimenta, 2011, p. 74).
Long quotation (over 40 words):
Presented in block format, indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks.
Paraphrase:
(Pimenta, 2011) or Pimenta (2011) argues that…
Use […] for omissions and [ ] for insertions.
11. References
References must:
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Be left-aligned
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Use hanging indent (1.27 cm)
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Be double-spaced
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Follow author–date format
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Include DOI when available
Práticas Interventivas / Relato de caso
GUIDELINES FOR INTERVENTION PRACTICES / CASE REPORTS
(APA 7th Edition Format)
1. Definition
The Intervention Practices / Case Report section consists of an analytical narrative describing and examining professional experiences developed within the fields of Human, Social, or Health Sciences. These experiences may take place in various contexts, including:
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Educational settings (classrooms);
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Pedagogical projects;
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Extension programs;
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Institutional initiatives;
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Clinical or community-based practices.
The manuscript must present critical reflection grounded in theoretical frameworks, highlighting practical and scientific contributions to the field.
2. Required Elements
The manuscript must include:
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Contextualization of the intervention or practice;
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Theoretical foundation;
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Methodology or procedures adopted;
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Challenges encountered;
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Strategies implemented;
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Results obtained;
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Critical reflections;
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Lessons learned and implications for the field.
The primary objective is to disseminate evidence-based experiences that contribute to innovation and best practices.
3. Manuscript Length
The manuscript must be between 10 and 12 pages, including:
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Abstract
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Keywords
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Main text
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References
4. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)
Manuscripts must strictly follow the American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines:
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A4 paper size
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2.54 cm (1 inch) margins
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Times New Roman, 12-point font
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Double spacing throughout
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Left-aligned text (not justified)
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1.27 cm (0.5 inch) paragraph indentation
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Block quotations (over 40 words) indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks
ABNT standards should not be used.
5. Title and Author Identification
The title must:
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Be centered;
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Bold;
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Written in Title Case (not all caps);
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Contain no more than 20 words.
Below the title, include:
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Full name(s) of author(s);
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Supervisor(s), if applicable;
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Institutional affiliation (University, Program);
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Corresponding author’s email address.
6. Abstract
The abstract must:
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Contain a maximum of 250 words;
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Be written in a single paragraph;
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Clearly describe the rationale, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions;
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Not include citations, tables, figures, or references.
After the abstract, include three to five keywords separated by semicolons:
Keywords: keyword 1; keyword 2; keyword 3.
7. Structure of the Manuscript
Headings must follow APA 7 hierarchical levels. Sections should not be numbered.
Introduction
Must:
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Present context and theoretical foundation;
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Clearly justify the problem or intervention analyzed;
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Conclude with explicit study objectives.
Recommended maximum length: 1,000 words.
Methodology / Procedures
Must:
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Clearly describe procedures adopted;
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Allow understanding and potential replicability;
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Include methodological references when applicable.
Recommended maximum length: 500 words.
Results and Discussion
Must:
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Present data and evidence obtained;
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Include tables and figures following APA guidelines when necessary;
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Discuss findings in light of scientific literature;
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Indicate relevance, contributions, and limitations.
No specific word limit, provided the 12-page limit is respected.
Final Considerations
Must:
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Be written in the present tense;
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Be objective and directly linked to the objectives;
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Not include citations;
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Contain up to 200 words.
8. Citations (APA 7th Edition)
Short quotation (up to 40 words):
“Quoted text” (Pimenta, 2011, p. 74).
Long quotation (over 40 words):
Presented as a block quotation, indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks.
Paraphrase:
(Pimenta, 2011)
or
Pimenta (2011) argues that…
Use […] for omissions and [ ] for additions.
9. References
References must:
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Be left-aligned;
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Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);
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Be double-spaced;
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Follow author-date format;
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Include DOI when available;
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Not include retrieval dates unless necessary.
Resenha
GUIDELINES FOR BOOK REVIEWS
(APA 7th Edition Format)
1. Definition
A book review is an academic analytical text intended to critically evaluate works relevant to the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences.
The review must include:
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Full identification of the work under review;
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Brief contextualization of the author and the publication;
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Objective summary of the content;
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Theoretically grounded critical analysis;
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Evaluation of strengths and limitations;
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Concluding evaluative remarks.
Its primary objective is to provide readers with a critical and well-founded understanding of the work, supporting informed academic, scientific, or cultural engagement.
Reviews may examine various types of intellectual or cultural production, including:
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Academic books;
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Literary works;
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Films;
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Documentaries;
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Musical productions;
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Technical or scientific reports.
2. Types of Reviews
2.1 Descriptive Review
Characterized by predominantly expository writing.
In this format, the author:
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Presents the content of the work;
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Describes its structure and main arguments;
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Contextualizes its production;
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Avoids explicit evaluative judgment.
The focus is on objective description.
2.2 Critical Review
Expository-argumentative in nature, combining summary and evaluative analysis.
In addition to summarizing the content, the author must:
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Develop arguments grounded in relevant literature;
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Justify the critical evaluation;
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Indicate contributions and limitations;
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Clearly articulate a consistent analytical position.
When required by the journal, the critical review may include up to three keywords after the abstract.
3. Manuscript Length
The review must be between 5 and 8 pages, including:
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Identification of the reviewed work;
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Main text;
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References (if applicable).
4. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)
Manuscripts must strictly follow American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines:
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A4 paper size;
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2.54 cm (1 inch) margins;
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Times New Roman, 12-point font;
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Double spacing throughout;
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Left-aligned text (not justified);
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1.27 cm (0.5 inch) paragraph indentation;
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Block quotations (over 40 words) indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks.
ABNT standards must not be used.
5. Recommended Structure
5.1 Title
The title must:
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Be centered;
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Bold;
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Written in Title Case (not all caps);
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Contain no more than 20 words.
5.2 Identification of the Work
Below the title, provide the full APA reference of the reviewed work.
Example (book):
Surname, A. A. (Year). Title of the book in italics. Publisher. https://doi.org/xxxxx
5.3 Main Text
The manuscript should include:
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Introduction and contextualization;
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Summary of content;
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Theoretically grounded critical analysis;
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Concluding evaluative considerations.
Headings must follow APA 7 hierarchical levels and should not be numbered.
6. Citations (APA 7th Edition)
Short quotation (up to 40 words):
“Quoted text” (Surname, year, p. xx).
Long quotation (over 40 words):
Presented as a block quotation, indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks.
Paraphrase:
(Surname, year)
or
Surname (year) argues that…
Use […] for omissions and [ ] for additions.
7. References
References must:
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Be left-aligned;
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Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);
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Be double-spaced;
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Follow author-date format;
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Include DOI when available;
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Not include retrieval statements unless necessary.
Entrevistas
GUIDELINES FOR INTERVIEWS
(APA 7th Edition Format)
1. Definition
The Interviews section publishes structured interviews with scholars, professionals, or individuals of recognized relevance in the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences.
Its purpose is to disseminate academic reflections, professional trajectories, and significant theoretical or practical contributions to the field.
2. Structure
The interview must:
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Include a minimum of 8 (eight) and a maximum of 15 (fifteen) questions;
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Present an introductory section contextualizing the interviewee and their academic or professional relevance;
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Clearly distinguish questions and answers (e.g., labeled as “Question” and “Answer” or identified by interviewer/interviewee names);
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Maintain thematic coherence and argumentative unity.
3. Length
The complete manuscript must contain up to 2,300 words, including:
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Introduction;
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Questions and answers;
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References (if applicable).
4. Required Elements
Submissions must include:
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Full name of the interviewee;
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Institutional affiliation;
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A brief academic or professional biography (up to 100 words);
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One portrait photograph of the interviewee, in high resolution, with publication authorization;
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Full name of the interviewer (if applicable).
5. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)
Manuscripts must strictly follow the American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines:
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A4 paper size;
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2.54 cm (1 inch) margins;
-
Times New Roman, 12-point font;
-
Double spacing throughout;
-
Left-aligned text (not justified);
-
1.27 cm (0.5 inch) paragraph indentation;
-
Block quotations (over 40 words) indented 1.27 cm, without quotation marks.
6. Title
The title must:
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Be centered;
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Bold;
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Written in Title Case (not all caps);
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Contain no more than 20 words.
7. Citations and References
If references are included, they must:
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Follow APA 7th edition author-date style;
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Be left-aligned;
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Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);
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Be double-spaced;
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Include DOI when available.
Personal interviews not recoverable by readers should be cited in the text only as personal communications and should not appear in the reference list, in accordance with APA guidelines.
Copyright Notice
Copyright Notice
As a condition for submission and publication in Convergências: Famílias e Políticas Públicas, authors must agree to the following terms:
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Ownership and Licensing: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. The content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0), which permits sharing and adaptation of the work, provided that appropriate credit is given to the authors and the original publication in this journal is cited.
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Intellectual Responsibility: The concepts, opinions, and results presented in the manuscripts are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial policy of the journal or UNIFESP.
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Open Access: In line with Open Science practices, the journal provides free and immediate access to its content. This policy aims to democratize scientific knowledge and enhance the visibility, reach, and impact of published research.
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Republication: Authors are authorized to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in Convergências.
Privacy Statement
Names and email addresses entered in this journal site will be used exclusively for the stated purposes of this publication and will not be made available for any other purpose or to any other party.
