Submissions

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Author Guidelines

Convergências: Famílias e Políticas Públicas (UNIFESP) publishes original and unpublished works by a maximum of five authors. As of 2024, the journal adopts a continuous publication model to ensure speed and rigor in scientific dissemination.

1. Languages and Translation Requirements

Submissions are accepted in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French.

  • Foreign Language Manuscripts: Must include Title, Abstract, and Keywords in Portuguese.

  • Italics: Titles, abstracts, and keywords in languages other than the main text must be italicized.

  • Revision: A technical grammatical revision certificate is mandatory at the time of submission.

2. Manuscript Categories

  • Original Article: Empirical or theoretical research contributing to Human, Social, and Health Sciences.

    • Length: 12–17 pages. Structure: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.

    • Abstract: 600–900 characters. Keywords: 3–5 terms.

  • Experience Report / Interventive Practice: Systematization of professional interventions and social practices.

    • Length: 8–12 pages. Structure: Context, framework, intervention description, and critical analysis.

  • Extended Abstract (Master's in progress / Undergrad Thesis): Synthesis of advanced or completed research.

    • Length: Max 6 pages. Formatting: Times New Roman, 14, centered title.

  • Literature Review: Analysis and synthesis of sources, identifying gaps and new approaches.

    • Length: 12–15 pages.

  • Interviews: Dialogues with experts (8–15 questions; max 2,300 words).

3. General Formatting (APA 7 Standard)

  • Format: Word (.doc, .docx). Font: Times New Roman, 11 (10 for abstracts).

  • Spacing: 1.5 (1.0 for abstracts). Margins: 2.0 cm (A4).

  • E-location & DOI: The journal uses an e-location (electronic identifier) and DOI instead of sequential page numbering.

  • Blind Review: Identification must be replaced by "XXX" in the main file. Personal data belongs only in the Title Page (separate file).

4. Ethics, Integrity, and Misconduct

  • Similarity Check: All manuscripts undergo plagiarism detection.

  • Fabrication/Falsification: Data manipulation results in immediate rejection.

  • AI Policy (WAME): AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Use must be declared before the references.

5. Submission Checklist & Metadata

  • ORCID: Validated URL is mandatory for all authors.

  • Anonymity: Authors must remove metadata from the file properties (Inspect Document).

  • Copyright: Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication under CC BY-NC 4.0.

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

  • 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).

  • 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

  • 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)

  • Guidelines: The text strictly follows the style standards and bibliographic requirements described in the Author Guidelines.

  • Technical Layout: The file is formatted with single spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and uses italics instead of underlining (except for URLs).

  • Graphic Elements: Tables and figures are embedded in the body of the text, near their callouts, in accordance with APA standards for electronic manuscripts.

  • Link Accessibility: All URLs in the text are active, verified, and ready for immediate access.

4. Integrity of Peer Review (Double-Blind Review)

  • 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."

  • File Metadata: I confirm that personal identification properties have been removed from the digital files (following the "Inspect Document" procedure).

  • File Division: The submission consists of two distinct files:

    • Main Document: Fully anonymized text and abstracts.

    • Title Page: Full author details, affiliation, ORCID, funding, and other identifying information.

5. Ethical Declarations and Copyright

  • Linguistic Revision: I declare that the manuscript has undergone a rigorous technical and grammatical revision prior to submission.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Alignment with the journal’s scope;

  • Compliance with the Instructions for Authors;

  • Adherence to current APA formatting standards;

  • Originality verification through plagiarism-detection software;

  • 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:

  • Acceptance;

  • Acceptance with revisions;

  • Resubmission for further review;

  • 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:

  • Originality;

  • Scientific relevance;

  • Theoretical and methodological consistency;

  • 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:

  • Highest academic degree;

  • Institutional affiliation;

  • Department or Graduate Program;

  • Research group;

  • Funding agency (if applicable);

  • City and Country;

  • Email address;

  • 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:

  • State of the art;

  • Main theoretical contributions;

  • Existing gaps;

  • 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:

  • Context and introduction

  • Objectives

  • Methodology

  • Results (partial or final)

  • Discussion

  • 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:

  • A4 paper

  • 2.54 cm margins

  • Times New Roman, 12-point font

  • Double spacing throughout

  • Left-aligned text (not justified)

  • 1.27 cm paragraph indentation

  • 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:

  • Be centered

  • In bold

  • Written in Title Case (not all caps)

  • Contain a maximum of 20 words

Below the title, include:

  • Full name(s) of the author(s)

  • Supervisor(s), when applicable

  • Institutional affiliation (University and Program)

  • Email address of the corresponding author

4. Abstract

The abstract must:

  • Contain a maximum of 250 words

  • Be written in a single paragraph

  • Clearly present the rationale, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions

  • 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:

  • Provide contextualization and theoretical grounding

  • Clearly state the research problem

  • Include a concise literature review

  • End with an explicit statement of objectives

Maximum recommended length: 1,000 words.

6. Methodology

The methodology must:

  • Clearly describe procedures

  • Allow study replication

  • Indicate analytical methods and instruments

  • Include relevant methodological references

Maximum recommended length: 500 words.

7. Results and Discussion

This section must present:

  • Data obtained so far (partial or final)

  • Analysis grounded in the literature

  • 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:

  • Be written in the present tense

  • Be clear and objective

  • Directly relate to the study objectives

  • 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:

  • Be left-aligned

  • Use hanging indent (1.27 cm)

  • Be double-spaced

  • Follow author–date format

  • 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:

  • Educational settings (classrooms);

  • Pedagogical projects;

  • Extension programs;

  • Institutional initiatives;

  • 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:

  • Contextualization of the intervention or practice;

  • Theoretical foundation;

  • Methodology or procedures adopted;

  • Challenges encountered;

  • Strategies implemented;

  • Results obtained;

  • Critical reflections;

  • 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:

  • Abstract

  • Keywords

  • Main text

  • References

4. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)

Manuscripts must strictly follow the American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines:

  • A4 paper size

  • 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

ABNT standards should not be used.

5. Title and Author Identification

The title must:

  • Be centered;

  • Bold;

  • Written in Title Case (not all caps);

  • Contain no more than 20 words.

Below the title, include:

  • Full name(s) of author(s);

  • Supervisor(s), if applicable;

  • Institutional affiliation (University, Program);

  • Corresponding author’s email address.

6. Abstract

The abstract must:

  • Contain a maximum of 250 words;

  • Be written in a single paragraph;

  • Clearly describe the rationale, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions;

  • 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:

  • Present context and theoretical foundation;

  • Clearly justify the problem or intervention analyzed;

  • Conclude with explicit study objectives.

Recommended maximum length: 1,000 words.

Methodology / Procedures

Must:

  • Clearly describe procedures adopted;

  • Allow understanding and potential replicability;

  • Include methodological references when applicable.

Recommended maximum length: 500 words.

Results and Discussion

Must:

  • Present data and evidence obtained;

  • Include tables and figures following APA guidelines when necessary;

  • Discuss findings in light of scientific literature;

  • Indicate relevance, contributions, and limitations.

No specific word limit, provided the 12-page limit is respected.

Final Considerations

Must:

  • Be written in the present tense;

  • Be objective and directly linked to the objectives;

  • Not include citations;

  • 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:

  • Be left-aligned;

  • Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);

  • Be double-spaced;

  • Follow author-date format;

  • Include DOI when available;

  • 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:

  • Full identification of the work under review;

  • Brief contextualization of the author and the publication;

  • Objective summary of the content;

  • Theoretically grounded critical analysis;

  • Evaluation of strengths and limitations;

  • 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:

  • Academic books;

  • Literary works;

  • Films;

  • Documentaries;

  • Musical productions;

  • Technical or scientific reports.

2. Types of Reviews

2.1 Descriptive Review

Characterized by predominantly expository writing.

In this format, the author:

  • Presents the content of the work;

  • Describes its structure and main arguments;

  • Contextualizes its production;

  • 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:

  • Develop arguments grounded in relevant literature;

  • Justify the critical evaluation;

  • Indicate contributions and limitations;

  • 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:

  • Identification of the reviewed work;

  • Main text;

  • References (if applicable).

4. General Formatting (APA 7th Edition)

Manuscripts must strictly follow American Psychological Association (APA, 7th edition) guidelines:

  • A4 paper size;

  • 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.

ABNT standards must not be used.

5. Recommended Structure

5.1 Title

The title must:

  • Be centered;

  • Bold;

  • Written in Title Case (not all caps);

  • 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:

  • Introduction and contextualization;

  • Summary of content;

  • Theoretically grounded critical analysis;

  • 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:

  • Be left-aligned;

  • Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);

  • Be double-spaced;

  • Follow author-date format;

  • Include DOI when available;

  • 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:

  • Include a minimum of 8 (eight) and a maximum of 15 (fifteen) questions;

  • Present an introductory section contextualizing the interviewee and their academic or professional relevance;

  • Clearly distinguish questions and answers (e.g., labeled as “Question” and “Answer” or identified by interviewer/interviewee names);

  • Maintain thematic coherence and argumentative unity.

3. Length

The complete manuscript must contain up to 2,300 words, including:

  • Introduction;

  • Questions and answers;

  • References (if applicable).

4. Required Elements

Submissions must include:

  • Full name of the interviewee;

  • Institutional affiliation;

  • A brief academic or professional biography (up to 100 words);

  • One portrait photograph of the interviewee, in high resolution, with publication authorization;

  • 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:

  • A4 paper size;

  • 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:

  • Be centered;

  • Bold;

  • Written in Title Case (not all caps);

  • Contain no more than 20 words.

7. Citations and References

If references are included, they must:

  • Follow APA 7th edition author-date style;

  • Be left-aligned;

  • Use hanging indentation (1.27 cm);

  • Be double-spaced;

  • 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.

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