Knowledge Structure and Evolution of Hotspots in Play Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis via Multiple Visualization Tools

TL;DR

This study maps the global research landscape of play therapy, highlighting trends, key contributors, and the need for more inclusive practices.

Contribution

The first systematic bibliometric analysis of play therapy research, revealing global trends and a visibility gap for non-Western contributions.

Findings

The United States leads in play therapy research publications, citations, and international collaboration.

There is a growing focus on autism spectrum disorder and diverse age groups in play therapy research.

A 'visibility gap' exists, with innovations from the Global South often overlooked in Western-centric systems.

Abstract

Play therapy has seen growing clinical application and theoretical development, yet no dedicated bibliometric analysis has systematically mapped this field. This study provides the first systematic map of the global play therapy research landscape, identifying clinical trends and future priorities for the field.

Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and bibliometric analyses were performed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.

A total of 771 articles were included. The United States led in publications, citations, international collaboration, and institutional participation. The Arts in Psychotherapy and Ray DC were the most productive journal and author, respectively. Core research focused on “children” and “adolescents,” while “autism,” “spectrum,” and expanded age‐group focus emerged as potential frontiers. However, a “visibility gap” remains, where clinical innovations from the Global South are often sidelined by Western‐centric indexing and credentialing systems.

For clinicians, these findings underscore the need to adapt traditional techniques into neurodiversity‐sensitive and culturally grounded practices. For policymakers, the evidence supports integrating play therapy into national mental health guidelines and insurance frameworks as a cost‐effective, transdiagnostic intervention. Ultimately, bridging the gap between Western frameworks and regional adaptations is essential for creating a more inclusive and evidence‐based global mental health strategy.

Our study analyzes the research status and evolution of play therapy through bibliometric and visualization analysis. Play therapy research has been growing steadily, and the United States leads in publications, citations, and international cooperation. There is an increasing focus on autism spectrum disorder and the inclusion of diverse age groups.

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