Author Guidelines

AUTHOR GUIDELINES

Psycounia: Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Counseling

Psycounia: Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Counseling welcomes original scholarly manuscripts that contribute to the development of knowledge and practice in psychology and counseling. Authors are required to prepare manuscripts according to the following guidelines before submission.

The manuscript must be original, academically sound, and relevant to the focus and scope of the journal. Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the data, citations, references, and ethical aspects of their research.

 

1. General Requirements

Manuscripts submitted to Psycounia should meet the following requirements:

1. The manuscript must be an original scholarly work and must not have been previously published or simultaneously submitted to another journal.
2. The manuscript should present research findings, theoretical analysis, conceptual discussion, or other scholarly contributions relevant to psychology and counseling.
3. The manuscript should demonstrate a clear research problem, appropriate theoretical foundation, methodological rigor, analysis, and scholarly contribution.
4. The manuscript must follow the structure and formatting requirements specified in these Author Guidelines.
5. All manuscripts must be written in clear and academically appropriate English. Manuscripts written in Arabic may be considered in accordance with the journal's language policy.
6. All text, tables, figures, and other elements should use the appropriate language consistently throughout the manuscript.
7. The manuscript should contain 4,500–7,000 words, including tables, figures, nomenclature, references, and other elements.
8. Authors are encouraged to use reference management software such as Mendeley, Zotero, or EndNote.
9. Authors must ensure that all sources cited in the manuscript are included in the reference list and that all references listed are cited in the manuscript.
10. Authors are responsible for complying with applicable research ethics and publication ethics.

 

2. Manuscript Structure

The manuscript should contain the following components:

1. Title
2. Author Name(s)
3. Author Affiliation(s)
4. Corresponding Author's Email Address
5. Abstract
6. Keywords
7. Introduction
8. Method
9. Results and Discussion
10. Conclusion
11. Acknowledgment, if applicable
12. References
13. Transliteration Guidelines, when applicable

The manuscript should not be numbered as a chapter or section using numerical headings unless required by the specific article structure.

 

3. Title

The title should:

• clearly represent the main topic of the manuscript;
• be concise, specific, and informative;
• reflect the research problem, focus, or main contribution;
• avoid unnecessary abbreviations; and
• contain approximately 5–12 words.

The title should be written in Garamond, 12 pt, and should be presented clearly at the beginning of the manuscript.

Example:

Development of an Applied Islamic Counseling Model

The title should be written in English for an English-language manuscript.

 

4. Author Name and Affiliation

The author's full name should be written without academic, professional, or institutional titles.

Example:

Ahmad Maujuhan Syah¹, Whida Rositama²

The corresponding affiliations should be provided below the author names.

Example:

¹ Faculty of Da'wah, Universitas Sunan Drajat, Lamongan, Indonesia
² Faculty of Humanities, State Islamic University Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia

The corresponding author's email address should be provided below the affiliation.

Example:

Corresponding author: maujuhansyah@unsuda.ac.id

Authors should ensure that names, affiliations, and email addresses are accurate and consistently presented.

 

5. Abstract

The abstract must be written in English and should contain approximately 150–200 words.

The abstract should provide a concise overview of the article and should include:

1. the research problem or background;
2. the purpose of the study;
3. the research method;
4. the principal findings or results; and
5. the main implications or contribution of the study.

The abstract should be understandable independently from the main text and should not contain unnecessary citations, tables, figures, or unexplained abbreviations.

The abstract should be written in Garamond, 12 pt, with single spacing.

The English abstract should use standard academic English with appropriate spelling and grammar.

 

6. Keywords

Authors should provide 3–5 keywords representing the central concepts of the article.

Keywords should:

• reflect the main concepts of the research;
• be specific and relevant;
• avoid unnecessarily broad terms; and
• be arranged alphabetically.

Example:

Keywords: Applied Counseling, Islamic Counseling, Pesantren Culture, Psychological Well-Being

 

7. Introduction

The Introduction should be written in a clear and logical manner and should establish the academic foundation and significance of the study.

The Introduction should address the following points:

7.1 Research Problem and Phenomenon

Explain the important phenomenon, problem, or issue that forms the basis of the research. The authors should clearly demonstrate why the issue is relevant and worthy of scholarly investigation.

7.2 Previous Research

Discuss relevant previous studies and explain the current state of knowledge. Authors should identify what has already been studied and what aspects remain insufficiently explored.

7.3 Research Gap and Novelty

Clearly identify the research gap and explain how the present study contributes something new to the existing literature.

The novelty may relate to:

• theoretical development;
• methodological approach;
• research context;
• empirical findings;
• intervention or model development; or
• a new interpretation of an existing phenomenon.

7.4 Research Objective

Clearly state the specific purpose of the study and explain how it addresses the identified research gap.

7.5 Research Question or Hypothesis

Where appropriate, clearly formulate the research questions, propositions, or hypotheses that guide the study.

The Introduction should be written in Garamond, 12 pt, with 1.5 line spacing.

 

8. Method

The Method section should explain clearly and operationally how the research was conducted.

The method should be presented in paragraph form and should include, as appropriate:

1. research design and type;
2. research approach;
3. research setting and location;
4. research participants, respondents, or informants;
5. population and sample, where applicable;
6. sampling procedures;
7. data sources;
8. research instruments;
9. data collection techniques;
10. research procedures;
11. data analysis techniques; and
12. ethical considerations, where applicable.

For qualitative studies, authors should clearly describe the research approach, research setting, informants, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures.

For quantitative studies, authors should clearly describe the research design, population, sample, variables, instruments, measurement procedures, and statistical analysis.

For mixed-methods research, authors should explain how qualitative and quantitative components are designed and integrated.

The Method section should provide sufficient information to allow readers to understand and assess the research process.

 

9. Results and Discussion

9.1 Results

The Results section should present the main findings of the research objectively and systematically.

Findings may be presented using:

• narrative descriptions;
• tables;
• figures;
• graphs;
• statistical results; or
• other appropriate forms of evidence.

The results should focus on important and original data obtained through questionnaires, surveys, interviews, observations, documents, experiments, or other appropriate data collection techniques.

Tables and figures should be used only when they improve the clarity and understanding of the findings.

9.2 Discussion

The Discussion section should interpret and explain the findings using relevant theories, previous research, and the authors' scholarly analysis.

The Discussion should:

1. interpret the main findings;
2. connect findings with relevant theories;
3. compare findings with previous studies;
4. explain similarities and differences with previous research;
5. identify theoretical and practical implications;
6. explain the contribution of the findings to psychology and counseling; and
7. provide recommendations for future research where appropriate.

The Discussion should go beyond simply repeating the Results. Authors are expected to explain the meaning and significance of the findings.

The Discussion is an important part of the manuscript because it demonstrates how the research contributes to the development of knowledge and practice in psychology and counseling.

 

10. Tables

Tables should be used to present data clearly and efficiently.

The following requirements apply:

1. Tables must be numbered consecutively: Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, and so forth.
2. The table title should be placed above the table.
3. The table title should be descriptive and concise.
4. Tables should be centered on the page.
5. The source of the table should be provided below the table, where applicable.
6. Tables should be referred to in the text before or near their appearance.
7. Authors should avoid presenting the same information repeatedly in both tables and narrative text.
8. Tables should use Garamond, 12 pt, consistently with the manuscript.

Example:

Table 1. Summary of Psychology Students

No.	Name	Gender	Level
1	Aisyah	Female	Beginner
2	Ahmad	Male	Advanced

Source: Research Data

 

11. Figures

Figures may include graphs, diagrams, models, photographs, conceptual frameworks, or other visual materials relevant to the research.

The following requirements apply:

1. Figures must be numbered consecutively: Figure 1, Figure 2, and so forth.
2. Figures should be centered.
3. The figure should be followed by a descriptive caption.
4. The figure caption should be placed below the figure.
5. Figures must be clear and readable.
6. All labels and text within figures should use Garamond, 12 pt, where technically possible.
7. Figures should be referred to in the manuscript before or near their appearance.

Example:

Figure 1. Applied Islamic Counseling Model

Authors must ensure that figures are original or appropriately credited and that permission is obtained when copyrighted material is reproduced.

 

12. Equations

Mathematical equations should be presented clearly and consistently.

Equations should:

• be placed appropriately within the text;
• be numbered consecutively;
• have the equation number placed on the right side; and
• be referred to in the manuscript using the corresponding equation number.

Example:

C² = a² + b² (Eq. 1)

One line of space should be provided above and below the equation before the text continues.

 

13. Citation and Referencing Style

Psycounia uses the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th edition citation style, as specified in the journal template.

Authors are strongly encouraged to use reference management software such as:

• Mendeley;
• Zotero; or
• EndNote.

In-text Citation

Examples:

Single author:

(Lickona, 2009)

Two authors:

(Banks & Banks, 2019)

Three or more authors:

(Annisa, Akrim, & Manurung, 2020)

Multiple sources:

(Baidhawy, 2005; Banks & Banks, 2019)

Authors should ensure consistency between in-text citations and the reference list.

 

14. References

The References section should contain only sources that are cited in the manuscript.

Authors should prioritize primary and scholarly sources.

The journal template recommends that approximately:

• 80% of references should come from scholarly journal articles or other primary scholarly sources; and
• 20% may come from books, dissertations, theses, repositories, websites, regulations, or other supporting sources where appropriate.

Authors should prioritize recent and relevant literature while retaining seminal sources when they are theoretically important.

References should follow APA 6th edition formatting.

Journal Article

Example:

Annisa, N., Akrim, A., & Manurung, A. A. (2020). Development of teacher's professional competency in realizing quality of human resources in the basic school. IJEMS: Indonesian Journal of Education and Mathematical Science, 1(2), 156–160. https://doi.org/10.30596/ijems.v1i2.4590

Book

Example:

Lickona, T. (2009). Educating for character: How our schools can teach respect and responsibility. Random House Publishing Group.

Book with Multiple Authors

Example:

Banks, J. A., & Banks, C. A. M. (2019). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives. John Wiley & Sons.

Dissertation or Thesis

Example:

Muhammad, M. H. (2016). Manajemen kurikulum kecakapan hidup di pondok pesantren. Dissertation, Universitas Negeri Malang.

Online Source

Online sources should include sufficient information to allow readers to identify and access the source.

Authors should provide DOI information whenever available.

 

15. Research Ethics

Authors conducting research involving human participants must ensure that the study complies with applicable research ethics standards.

Where applicable, manuscripts should address:

• informed consent;
• participant confidentiality;
• privacy and protection of personal information;
• ethical approval;
• voluntary participation;
• potential risks and benefits; and
• appropriate treatment of vulnerable participants.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that research involving participants complies with relevant institutional and professional ethical requirements.

 

16. Acknowledgment

An Acknowledgment section may be included when the research receives financial, institutional, technical, or other significant support.

Authors may acknowledge:

• research funding agencies;
• universities or research institutions;
• research collaborators;
• professional or community organizations; and
• individuals who contributed substantially but do not qualify for authorship.

Where research is funded by a formal grant, authors should provide the name of the funding institution and the relevant grant or contract number.

Example:

This research was supported by [Name of Institution] through the [Name of Grant Scheme], Grant Number [Grant Number].

 

17. Transliteration of Arabic Terms

Manuscripts containing Arabic terms, concepts, names, or Qur'anic expressions should follow the journal's Arabic-Latin transliteration guidelines.

Psycounia follows the transliteration principles indicated in the journal template, which are based on the Library of Congress model.

Authors should apply transliteration consistently throughout the manuscript.

Examples include:

• ب = b
• ت = t
• ث = th
• ج = j
• ح = ḥ
• خ = kh
• د = d
• ذ = dh
• ر = r
• ز = z
• س = s
• ش = sh
• ص = ṣ
• ض = ḍ
• ط = ṭ
• ظ = ẓ
• ع = ’
• غ = gh
• ف = f
• ق = q
• ك = k
• ل = l
• م = m
• ن = n
• ه = h
• و = w
• ي = y

Long vowels should also be represented consistently, including:

• ā
• ī
• ū

Authors should apply the transliteration rules consistently, particularly in manuscripts discussing Islamic psychology, Islamic counseling, spirituality, Qur'anic concepts, or other Islamic scholarly terminology.

 

18. Manuscript Formatting

Authors should prepare manuscripts according to the following formatting requirements:

Element	Requirement
Paper size	A4
Font	Garamond
Font size	12 pt
Line spacing	1.5
Abstract spacing	Single spacing
Top margin	3 cm
Bottom margin	3 cm
Left margin	3 cm
Right margin	2.5 cm
Article length	4,500–7,000 words
Citation style	APA 6th Edition
Reference manager	Mendeley/Zotero/EndNote recommended

The manuscript should be formatted consistently throughout, including the main text, headings, tables, figures, and references.

 

19. Submission Checklist

Before submitting a manuscript to Psycounia: Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Counseling, authors should ensure that:

• The manuscript is original and has not been published elsewhere.
• The manuscript is not simultaneously submitted to another journal.
• The title contains approximately 5–12 words and clearly represents the manuscript.
• All author names and affiliations are complete and accurate.
• The abstract contains approximately 150–200 words.
• There are 3–5 keywords arranged alphabetically.
• The manuscript contains Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion, Conclusion, and References.
• The manuscript is between 4,500 and 7,000 words.
• The manuscript uses Garamond, 12 pt.
• The manuscript uses 1.5 line spacing, except for the abstract as specified.
• The manuscript uses A4 paper size and the specified margins.
• Tables and figures are numbered consecutively.
• All tables and figures are referred to in the manuscript.
• In-text citations follow APA 6th edition.
• The reference list follows APA 6th edition.
• At least 80% of the references are scholarly/primary sources, where applicable.
• All cited sources appear in the reference list.
• All references listed are cited in the manuscript.
• Research involving human participants complies with applicable ethical requirements.
• Arabic terms and Islamic terminology follow the journal's transliteration guidelines where applicable.
• The manuscript has been carefully checked for grammar, spelling, and formatting consistency.

 

20. Editorial Screening

All submitted manuscripts will undergo an initial editorial screening to determine whether they:

1. fit the focus and scope of Psycounia;
2. comply with the journal's Author Guidelines;
3. demonstrate sufficient academic quality;
4. meet basic methodological and ethical requirements; and
5. are suitable for the peer-review process.

Manuscripts that do not meet the journal's basic requirements may be returned to the authors for revision or may be rejected before entering the peer-review process.

Manuscripts that pass the initial screening will proceed to the journal's peer-review process in accordance with the applicable editorial and publication policies.

 

21. Final Statement

By submitting a manuscript to Psycounia: Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Counseling, authors confirm that the manuscript has been prepared in accordance with these Author Guidelines and that the information presented is accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Authors are responsible for the originality, accuracy, ethical integrity, and academic quality of their submissions.

Psycounia: Indonesian Journal of Psychology and Counseling
Publisher: CV. Nawasena Cakrawala
Established: 17 August 2026
Field: Psychology and Counseling