Global trends and emerging themes in psychological well‐being and mindfulness research: A science‐mapping study aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well‐being)

This review maps 1941 Web of Science articles published from 2000 to May 2025 to clarify how mindfulness research relates to psychological well-being and Sustainable Development Goal 3. Using network and temporal analyses, the authors identify 11 thematic clusters covering clinical care, workplace motivation, cognitive-neuroscience mechanisms, measurement, family settings, trauma recovery, and cardiometabolic health. Publication activity has increased substantially, and the field's focus has shifted from symptom reduction toward resilience and technology-enabled applications. Emerging topics include self-compassion, interoception, and digital delivery. Persistent gaps include under-representation of non-WEIRD populations, limited attention to eudaimonic outcomes, incomplete mechanism specification, and sparse long-term evidence.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This study maps 1941 Web of Science articles (2000-May 2025) to clarify how mindfulness research relates to psychological well-being and priorities under Sustainable Development Goal 3. Using network and temporal analyses, we identify 11 thematic clusters spanning clinical care, workplace motivation and self-determination, cognitive-neuroscience mechanisms, measurement/psychometrics, family and developmental settings, trauma recovery, and cardiometabolic health. Publication activity has increased substantially, and the thematic center of gravity has shifted from symptom reduction toward resilience-oriented and technology-enabled applications. Emerging fronts include self-compassion and related strengths, interoception and mind-body practices, and digital delivery (telehealth/mobile health). Persistent gaps involve under-representation of non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) populations, limited attention to eudaimonic outcomes, incomplete specification of mechanisms, and sparse long-term or implementation evidence. By integrating two previously parallel literatures, the review offers a concise field map that highlights established anchors and actionable frontiers. The results inform the design, targeting, and evaluation of mindfulness programs that advance population mental health and flourishing.