Ethical Principles and Publication Policy

Use of Inclusive Language

Inclusive language respects variety, expresses respect to all people, is sensitive to differences, and encourages equitable chances. No assumptions should be made about the ideas or commitments of any reader; nothing should indicate that one individual is superior to another on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, disability, or health condition; and all language should be inclusive. Authors should ensure that their writing is devoid of prejudice, stereotypes, slang, references to the dominant culture, and/or cultural preconceptions. We recommend to seek gender neutrality by using plural nouns ("clinicians, patients/clients") as default/wherever possible to avoid using "he, she," or "he/she." We advise avoiding the use of adjectives that allude to personal characteristics such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, disability, or health condition unless they are relevant and factual. When coding terminology is utilized, we propose to avoid offensive or discriminatory phrases such as "master", "slave", "blacklist" and "whitelist". We recommend using terms such as "primary," "secondary," "blocklist," and "allowlist" that are more relevant and (self-)explanatory. These principles are intended to serve as a guide for determining proper wording, although they are neither exhaustive nor definitive.

Change in Authorship

Before submitting their work, authors are expected to carefully consider the list and order of authors and provide the definitive list of authors at the time of the initial submission. Any addition, deletion, or rearranging of author names in the authorship list should only occur prior to the manuscript's acceptance and with the editor's approval. To seek such a change, the associated author must submit the following to the Editor: (a) the justification for the change in the author list, and (b) written confirmation (email, letter) from each author that they agree with the addition, deletion, or rearrangement. In the event that an author is added or removed, this contains confirmation from the added or withdrawn author.

The Editor will only consider the addition, deletion, or rearranging of authors after the submission has been accepted under exceptional circumstances. The publication of the manuscript will be paused while the Editor reviews the request. If the manuscript has already been published in an online issue, and the Editor approves the request, a corrigendum will be issued.