A scientometric analysis and visualization of prenatal attachment research: A global perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Maternal and Child Health
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Prenatal attachment is crucial for early parent-infant relationships and maternal adaptation.
• The intellectual structure and evolution of prenatal attachment research remain underexplored.
• A comprehensive scientometric overview is needed to characterize global research trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scientometric analysis of global prenatal attachment research.
• To map the intellectual structure, collaborative patterns, and thematic evolution.
• To identify research hotspots and developmental trajectories.

Main Methods:

• Retrieved 470 English-language publications from Web of Science Core Collection (inception-2024).
• Utilized Joinpoint Regression for trend analysis.
• Employed CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica for network, co-citation, and keyword analyses.

Main Results:

• Publication output increased significantly after 2014, with major contributions from the UK, US, and Australia.
• International collaboration networks show central roles for specific countries.
• Research themes shifted from conceptualization to psychosocial factors, high-risk groups, paternal involvement, and technology-assisted methods.

Conclusions:

• Prenatal attachment research has expanded from foundational concepts to encompass diverse psychosocial and technological aspects.
• Future research should prioritize cross-regional collaboration, longitudinal designs, and rigorous intervention evaluation.
• The field shows dynamic growth and evolving thematic focus.