Global trends and inequalities in disability wellbeing research: A bibliometric analysis (2019-2025).
TL;DR
Quality of life emerged as the dominant conceptual theme, accompanied by mental health, rehabilitation, and participation, while social inclusion, digital health, and health equity represented emerging research topics.
Abstract
Background
Wellbeing has become an increasingly important focus of disability research as the field has shifted from deficit-oriented biomedical models toward multidimensional, biopsychosocial, and health equity frameworks. However, the rapid growth of disability wellbeing research makes it increasingly difficult to identify dominant themes, emerging priorities, and knowledge gaps.
Objective
This study aimed to analyse global scientific production on wellbeing among people with disabilities between 2019 and 2025.
Methods
A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection (SCIE, SSCI, ESCI). Publications were identified through a structured search strategy combining disability-related terms in the Title field and wellbeing-related terms in the Topic field. Bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping were conducted using Bibliometrix (R). Analyses included publication trends, leading journals, countries, institutions, collaboration networks, author keyword co-occurrence, strategic thematic mapping, and Bradford's and Lotka's distributions.
Results
A total of 8944 publications were identified, with an annual growth rate of 12.91%. Scientific production was concentrated in high-income countries, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Quality of life emerged as the dominant conceptual theme, accompanied by mental health, rehabilitation, and participation, while social inclusion, digital health, and health equity represented emerging research topics. Important gaps remained regarding Global South representation, intersectionality, and policy-oriented disability research.
Conclusions
Disability wellbeing research is characterised by sustained scientific growth and increasing conceptual diversification. Nevertheless, persistent geographic and conceptual imbalances highlight the need for more globally representative, inclusive, and policy-oriented research to advance disability health equity.