Mapping the global research landscape on posttraumatic growth in cancer: a bibliometric review
Nida Nafees et al.
Abstract
Purpose This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the global research landscape on posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer. While PTG has gained increasing scholarly attention as a positive psychological adaptation to trauma, no systematic evaluation has yet examined its research trajectory, key contributors, thematic evolution and knowledge gaps in the spectrum of cancer. This study aims to address this gap by identifying research trends, influential contributors, research hotspots and gaps, offering valuable insights to guide future investigations in the field. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric approach was used using the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. A total of 1,387 articles published between 1996 and 2023 were retrieved through a targeted search strategy. The statistical analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix open-source package of the R language environment. Findings The findings reveal a substantial growth in research related to PTG and cancer, with an annual growth rate of 11.49% over the past 28 years. The United States of America (USA) leads in research output, followed by China, Canada and Australia. Prominent contributors to the field include Richard G. Tedeschi, Crystal L. Park and Lawrence G. Calhoun. Psycho-Oncology stands out as the leading journal for disseminating research on PTG in the context of cancer. Keyword analysis further highlights key research hotspots, emerging trends and potential gaps in the evolving research landscape of PTG in cancer. Research limitations/implications The findings highlight the growing recognition of PTG as an essential aspect of cancer survivorship and psychosocial oncology. By identifying influential studies and under researched areas, this study offers a roadmap for researchers, policymakers and health-care practitioners to advance patient-centred care. Future research should prioritise interdisciplinary approaches and under-represented areas to deepen the understanding of PTG and its implications for cancer patients’ psychological well-being. Originality/value This study presents the first bibliometric analysis dedicated to mapping the global research landscape of PTG in cancer, offering a novel synthesis of its intellectual structure and developmental trajectory.
Evidence weight
Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40
| F · citation impact | 0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20 |
| M · momentum | 0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07 |
| V · venue signal | 0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03 |
| R · text relevance † | 0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20 |
† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.