The Pertanika Journal of Quality of Life Studies (JQoLS) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record through responsible editorial and publishing practices. All parties involved in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher, are expected to adhere to recognised standards of research and publication ethics. The publisher supports the editorial process in upholding these standards and ensuring that appropriate action is taken where necessary.

The journal aligns its policies with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics and applies these principles throughout the submission, peer review, and post-publication processes.
 

1. Originality and Publication Integrity 

Submissions to JQoLS must represent original work that has not been published previously, in whole or in substantial part, and is not under consideration elsewhere.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts:

• do not contain plagiarised material or inappropriate text reuse;

• appropriately acknowledge all sources; and

• do not constitute redundant or duplicate publication.

Duplicate submission, redundant publication, and inappropriate fragmentation of research are not acceptable. The journal may use similarity detection tools to screen submissions.

Where overlap with previously published work is identified, the journal will assess the extent and nature of the overlap and determine appropriate editorial action.

The submission of misleading, false, or intentionally inaccurate information constitutes a breach of publication ethics and may result in editorial action.
 

2. Authorship 

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made a significant intellectual contribution to the work. All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript and agree to its submission.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the author list and confirming that all eligible contributors are appropriately recognised.

Requests for changes to authorship after submission must be supported by a clear explanation and written consent from all authors. Changes after acceptance will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
 

3. Conflicts of Interest 

Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial relationships that could influence, or be perceived to influence, the research or its interpretation. All sources of funding must be declared.

Editors and reviewers are expected to declare any conflicts of interest and must recuse themselves from handling or reviewing manuscripts where such conflicts may compromise objectivity.

Authors must ensure that any suggested reviewers are independent and free from conflicts of interest. The journal reserves the right to verify the identity and suitability of suggested reviewers and may disregard such suggestions at its discretion.
 

4. Peer Review 

JQoLS operates a double-blind peer-review system. Manuscripts are evaluated by independent reviewers with relevant expertise.

Authors must ensure that manuscripts submitted for peer review are appropriately anonymised in accordance with the journal’s double-blind review requirements.

All submissions are subject to an initial editorial assessment to ensure compliance with the journal’s ethical, technical, and scope requirements prior to peer review.

The journal is committed to ensuring a timely and efficient peer-review process.

Reviewers are expected to:

• provide objective and constructive feedback;

• maintain confidentiality of all materials received; and

• refrain from using unpublished information for personal or professional advantage.

Reviewers must declare any conflicts of interest and decline to review manuscripts where such conflicts exist.

Editorial decisions are based on the reviewers’ reports, the scholarly merit of the work, and its relevance to the journal’s scope. The journal does not guarantee acceptance of any submission, and all editorial decisions are final.
 

5. Research Ethics 

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research complies with applicable ethical standards.

For studies involving human participants, authors must indicate whether ethical approval was obtained and identify the approving body. Where formal approval is not required, a clear justification must be provided, together with an explanation of how informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity were maintained.

The journal reserves the right to request supporting documentation where necessary.
 

6. Data Availability and Transparency 

Authors are encouraged to make the data supporting their findings available where appropriate, in accordance with ethical, legal, and institutional requirements.

Where data cannot be shared, authors should provide a clear justification. A data availability statement may be included in the manuscript.
 

7. Declarations 

Authors are required to include a Declarations section in their manuscript, where applicable. This section should provide information on ethical approval and informed consent, conflicts of interest, funding, and the use of generative artificial intelligence.

The information disclosed must be consistent with that provided during submission.
 

8. Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence  

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in manuscript preparation must be disclosed. Such tools may assist with language or organisation but must not be credited as authors.

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work.
 

9. Allegations of Misconduct 

The journal will consider all allegations of research or publication misconduct involving authors, reviewers, or editors, including plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, authorship disputes, duplicate submission, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and breaches of confidentiality.

Such matters will be handled in accordance with recognised ethical guidance, including that of the Committee on Publication Ethics.

The journal may request clarification or supporting documentation from the relevant parties, consult reviewers or editorial board members, and, where necessary, refer the matter to affiliated institutions.

All parties are expected to cooperate fully and respond promptly during the investigation process.

All investigations will be conducted in a fair and confidential manner.

Findings of misconduct may result in editorial and post-publication actions, including rejection, correction, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.
 

10. Complaints and Appeals 

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a reasoned justification. Appeals will be considered independently of the original decision where possible.

Complaints regarding editorial conduct, peer review, or publication processes may be submitted to the journal or publisher and will be addressed in a fair, transparent, and timely manner.
 

11. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern 

The journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the published record.

• Corrections will be issued where errors do not affect the overall conclusions of the work.

• Retractions will be issued where findings are unreliable due to error or misconduct.

• Expressions of concern may be issued where serious concerns have been raised but an investigation is ongoing.

Concerns regarding published articles may be raised by authors, readers, or third parties and will be considered by the journal.
 

12. Confidentiality 

Editors and reviewers must treat all submitted materials as confidential and must not disclose or use information obtained through the review process for any purpose other than evaluation.
 

13. Privacy and Identifiable Information 

Identifiable personal information must not be published without explicit written consent. Authors are responsible for ensuring that the privacy and confidentiality of research participants are protected.
 

14. Copyright and Permissions 

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their work does not infringe any copyright or intellectual property rights.

Permission must be obtained for the use of third-party material, including figures, tables, and data, where required. All such material must be properly acknowledged. The journal may request evidence of permission at any stage of the editorial process.
 

15. Editorial Independence 

Editorial decisions are made independently of the publisher and are based solely on academic merit, methodological rigour, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

Where a manuscript is submitted by an editor, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure an independent and unbiased review process.
 

16. Responsibility and Compliance 

By submitting a manuscript to JQoLS, authors confirm that they have read and complied with the journal’s ethical and publication policies.

Failure to adhere to these standards may result in rejection, withdrawal, or other appropriate editorial action.