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)
Khanh Huy Nguyen, Mai Dong Tran
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.70100 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review with network and temporal analyses Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Thematic analysis Mental health Digital health Population health Field mathematics Sustainable development Applied psychology Thematic map Sustainability |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The review identifies 11 thematic clusters in mindfulness research and shows a shift from symptom reduction toward resilience-oriented and technology-enabled applications, with persistent gaps in non-WEIRD populations and eudaimonic outcomes. |
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.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being Diverse adult clinical populations | 2014 | Meta-analysis | n = 3,515 |
| Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Stress Management in Healthy People: A Review and Meta-Analysis Healthy subjects | 2009 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| The psychological effects of meditation: A meta-analysis. Nonclinical groups of adult meditators | 2012 | Meta-analysis | n = 163 |
| Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive Relapse Adults with recurrent depression in full or partial remission | 2016 | Meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized controlled trials | n = 1,258 |
| Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | 2011 | Systematic review |
Citations in the library
Cites 18
- Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review British Medical Bulletin April 21, 2021
- The effect of mindfulness‐based interventions on reducing stress in future health professionals: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2023
- App‐based mindfulness training supported eudaimonic wellbeing during the COVID19 pandemic Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being July 11, 2023
- The effectiveness of taught, self-help mindfulness-based interventions on Chinese adolescents' well-being, mental health, prosocial and difficult behavior, and coping strategy. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 1, 2024
- Mindfulness as a path to fostering time affluence and well‐being Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being August 3, 2021
and 13 more in the library