Mapping the knowledge landscape of body image research: A bibliometric and visualized study

Area of Science:

• Multidisciplinary research encompassing psychology, medicine, public health, and social sciences.
• Focus on body image as a multidimensional construct impacting health-related quality of life.

Background:

• Rapid expansion of body image research necessitates synthesis of its intellectual structure and thematic evolution.
• Significant role of body image in overall well-being and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric and visualized analysis of global body image research from 2000-2024.
• To identify key themes, influential contributors, and emerging trends in the field.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 12,969 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (2000-2024).
• Analysis of publication output, leading countries, institutions, authors, funding, journals, and keywords.
• Thematic clustering and burst detection to identify research trends.

Main Results:

• Significant growth in annual publications, peaking in 2022, with the United States as the leading producer.
• Identification of four major thematic clusters: psychological mechanisms, eating disorders/mental health, adolescent behavior/self-esteem, and quality of life/health outcomes.
• Emerging research trends in mental health, social media impacts, and intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Body image research is a rapidly evolving, multidisciplinary field with distinct thematic clusters and temporal dynamics.
• Future research should focus on digital interventions, prevention strategies, and fostering inclusive global collaboration.
• Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing contemporary body image challenges and improving public health.