A bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on adverse childhood experiences (2004-2024)

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) significantly impact physical, mental and social well-being, making them a critical area of research. This study analyzed the emerging trends and intellectual structure of ACE research and identified key contributors, including the most productive nations, journals and authors. Using bibliometric tools and VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20), 1,957 articles from the Scopus database (2004 to March 2024) were systematically analyzed. A notable finding was the surge in ACE-related publications during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially reflecting increased global attention on childhood adversity amid heightened social and economic challenges. The analysis also revealed a striking dearth of studies from the Global South, with the field predominantly shaped by Western nations, like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Leading journals, such as the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and prolific authors, like Kevin T. Wolff, played a central role in advancing the field. Co-citation analysis uncovered four thematic clusters: (1) conceptualization and assessment of ACE, (2) health implications, (3) mental health impacts and (4) juvenile delinquency. These clusters, though distinct, showed significant thematic overlaps, reflecting the interconnected nature of ACE research and its intellectual structure. These findings underscore the need for more regionally diverse and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding global childhood adversity.