Mindfulness to Mental Health: Exploring Bibliometric Pathways via Metacognition, Rumination, and Emotion Regulation

Abstract

Mindfulness along with cognitive factors such as metacognition, rumination, and emotion regulation profoundly impact individual mental health and well-being. The primary goal of this study is to understand the global research trends in mindfulness, mental health, and cognitive factors and to provide a bird’s eye view of the research carried out so far, which provides a strong foundation for future research. Bibliometric analysis was carried out using the VOS viewer and RStudio software, using publication data extracted from the Scopus database. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered researchers to focus more on mental health-related issues. Developed nations contributed significantly to most of the bibliometric indicators. In developed countries, research on mental health and well-being emphasizes key determinants such as mindfulness, metacognition, rumination, and emotion regulation more extensively than in developing countries. Significant research gaps are identified in “Mental Health,” “Well-Being,” and “Metacognition.” A significant share of the research activity is concentrated in the European region. Developing nations need to improve their research and collaborations keeping in view of the potential possibility of improvement of the Human Development Index (HDI) and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, thereby contributing to “Good Health” and “Well-Being” at a global level.