Age-specific variations and emerging trends in behavioral activation interventions: A keyword network analysis

This study aimed to explore the age-specific characteristics and research trends of Behavioral Activation (BA) interventions through a Keyword Network Analysis (KNA). A comprehensive review of experimental studies applying BA was conducted, covering literature published between 2003 and 2023. Keywords were extracted by age group children and adolescents, adults, and older adults and analyzed using network metrics and cohesive structure evaluation. BA interventions were consistently associated with reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms and improvements in quality of life across all age groups. However, the focal areas of BA varied by age: in children and adolescents, BA-related keywords were linked to emotional regulation and health disparities; adult-focused studies emphasized distress management, digital healthcare integration, and overall wellbeing; among older adults, BA was associated with increased activity scheduling, greater social participation, and reduced social isolation. Across all groups, depression emerged as the most central keyword. These age-specific patterns were further clarified through cohesive structure analysis, which revealed thematic differences across developmental stages and underscored the need for age-tailored BA strategies. Specifically, BA implementation tended to emphasize emotional and social skills in adolescents, stress regulation and digital self-management in adults, and structured activity planning in older adults. Together, these findings support the potential of BA as a flexible, transdiagnostic mental health intervention that can be integrated across the lifespan.