Work

Bibliometric analysis of global research on dialectical behavior therapy from 1987 to 2024

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective This study explores researches of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in mental health to provide an overview of current knowledge landscape and predict future development trends of DBT. Method The bibliometric approach was used in the study. Articles on DBT-related research were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database up to December 31, 2024, and analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. Results A total of 2,723 articles were analyzed. DBT research has grown significantly since the 1990s, with the United States leading in publication volume, citation impact, and academic collaboration. Research is primarily conducted in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, with limited contributions from emerging economies. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice is the most prolific journal in DBT research. Key topics include borderline personality disorder (BPD), suicide, adolescent interventions, forensic psychiatry, and family therapy. Recently, keywords such as “emotion dysregulation” and “mobile phone” have become research hotspots. Conclusion DBT research has evolved from early focus areas like BPD and suicide to studies on emotion dysregulation mechanisms and digital interventions. While the United States dominates the field, expanding participation from emerging countries and strengthening global collaboration could advance DBT research and improve mental health accessibility. This bibliometric analysis provides a global perspective and long-term trend insights, highlighting future directions in neurobiological mechanisms, methodological innovation, and technological integration.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1450497

Authors: Kuo Shi, Li-Yi Zhang, Bing-Ling Gao, Ying Qian, Xue-Bing Huang, Jing-Li Yue

Institutions: Peking University Sixth Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Personality Disorders and Psychopathology

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801