Mental health among athletes: A bibliometric and visual analysis of research hotspots and trends

BACKGROUND: Mental health among elite athletes is a critical and growing focus, recognized for its profound impact on their well-being and performance trajectories. OBJECTIVE: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of athlete mental health research from 2015 to 2024, aiming to identify key contributors, established hotspots, and emerging trends to guide future investigations and interventions. METHODS: Articles published between 2015 and 2024 were systematically retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were utilized for bibliometric and visual analysis. RESULTS: A corpus of 2508 unique articles revealed an upward publication trend. The United States, Harvard Medical School, and Gouttebarge were identified as leading contributors. Co-citation analysis yielded 20 primary research clusters, encompassing common psychological challenges (e.g., depression, eating disorders), positive psychological traits (e.g., mindfulness, mental toughness), specific stressors (e.g., concussion, overtraining, career uncertainty), and social support systems. Keyword burst detection highlighted emerging directions: the long-term mental health impacts of COVID-19, mental health in student athletes and competitive contexts, methodological trends like retrospective studies, and the interplay of physiological stress, distress, and attention. CONCLUSION: This study offers valuable, data-driven insights into the evolving landscape of athlete mental health research. By mapping key hotspots and emerging trends, it provides a crucial roadmap for future investigations, enhancing understanding and guiding the development of effective interventions to safeguard athletes' overall well-being and optimize their performance.