Psychosocial risks in Latin America: trends and research gaps

This study analyzes the scientific evolution of psychosocial risks in Latin America through a bibliometric analysis of 1,866 articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science between 1963 and 2026. The results show sustained growth in academic production, particularly during the last decade, accompanied by an increase in impact measured by citations. The international collaboration network reveals a structure articulated in South-South and South-North patterns, with Brazil as a regional node and the United States as a transnational bridge. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies three main thematic clusters: (1) mental health and psychological distress-including anxiety, depression, and stress-; (2) labor and organizational factors, including burnout, working conditions, workplace violence, and job satisfaction; and (3) the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reorganized the recent scientific agenda. The findings demonstrate that psychosocial risks in Latin America constitute a field in consolidation, characterized by the convergence of clinical, labor, and structural dimensions, and by growing regional visibility in the international literature. However, limitations persist, associated with the predominance of cross-sectional studies, the underrepresentation of informal and precarious sectors, and geographical asymmetries in scientific infrastructure. It is suggested to advance toward comparative, longitudinal, and interdisciplinary approaches that integrate mental health, work organization, and regional socioeconomic contexts. This study provides an empirical basis for understanding the investigative configuration of the field and guiding future research agendas, public policies, and interventions aimed at psychosocial well-being in the region.