Research trends in esports and mental health

Abstract: Introduction: The rapid growth of esports has led to increased interest in understanding its impact on mental health. As competitive gaming becomes more mainstream, it is essential to examine both the positive and negative psychological outcomes associated with esports participation. Methods: This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of esports and mental health research to provide an overview of key trends, influential authors, and thematic evolution in the field. By analyzing publications indexed in the Scopus database, this research identifies core themes, such as mental health, video gaming, and esports, and highlights emerging trends, including the psychological effects of gaming addiction, social support, and stress. Results: The study also explores global collaborations and author networks, providing insights into the interdisciplinary nature of esports-related mental health research. The findings emphasize the need for further research into the long-term mental health impacts of esports, particularly regarding issues like burnout, anxiety, and depression, while also considering the potential benefits of esports as a therapeutic tool. Discussion: This analysis offers a comprehensive view of the scholarly landscape, providing valuable direction for future research in the field.