Twenty Years of Research on Social Work Practice: A Bibliometric Evaluation

Purpose: To analyze 20 years of Research on Social Work Practice (RSWP) publications (2005–2024), examining trends, key contributors, and thematic evolution. Method: Bibliometric techniques, including performance analysis, citation mapping, and keyword co-occurrence, were applied to identify active authors, institutions, countries, and highly cited articles. Thematic shifts were assessed across four time periods. Results: Seven thematic clusters emerged, notably evidence-based practice, trauma and youth, psychometric development, and implementation science. Findings show a move from clinical and child welfare concerns toward racial equity, digital innovation, and systems level approaches. RSWP demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary scope and responsiveness to social demands. Discussion: The journal's intellectual growth highlights opportunities for expanding methodological diversity, global relevance, and practice-focused contributions. Insights from this analysis provide guidance for researchers, practitioners, and editors to strengthen the field of social work practice.