Mapping the Past, Present and Future of Belongingness Research: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Abstract Our review combines bibliometric and thematic analysis to extensively explore belongingness research, using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol for systematic review. Analyzing 4,887 Scopus documents, we examined publication trends, intellectual structure, recent developments, and future research directions in the field. The bibliometric analysis revealed significant scholarly contributions and identified four foundational thematic clusters: The Birth of Belongingness, Self, Identity, and Belongingness, Suicide and Belongingness, and Social Exclusion and Belongingness. Recent trends highlight the link between thwarted belongingness and suicide, and underscore the importance of social inclusion in diverse settings. Future research directions include integrating belongingness into education, mental health, suicide prevention, community initiatives, digital connectivity, and policy development. This study is vital for scholars and practitioners, influencing academic discourse, policy discussions, and societal health. However, the study's scope is limited by its reliance on a single database, its focus on English-language publications, and the exclusion of grey literature.