Unveiling the Nexus: A bibliometric review of mental stress detection in students

Mental stress among students has emerged as a critical concern, significantly impacting academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. The advent of advanced technologies has catalyzed research into innovative methods for mental stress detection, providing opportunities to address this pressing issue. This bibliometric review aims to analyse the evolution of scholarly research on mental stress detection in students, identify key research hotspots, and highlight gaps requiring further exploration. Utilizing established bibliometric tools and databases, the study examines trends in publication output, the geographical distribution of contributions, prolific authors, influential institutions, and collaborations in this domain. The findings reveal a growing focus on wearable devices, machine learning algorithms, and psychological assessments as primary tools for detecting stress among students. Moreover, a significant concentration of research originates from technologically advanced regions, with limited contributions from low- and middle-income countries, indicating disparities in global research participation. Despite advancements, the review identifies critical gaps, such as limited longitudinal studies, inadequate focus on real-time stress detection, and insufficient exploration of sociocultural factors influencing stress. By mapping these trends and gaps, the study provides actionable insights for future research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches, culturally sensitive interventions, and equitable research representation across diverse student populations. Additionally, the bibliometric insights underscore the potential of integrating artificial intelligence, biosignal analysis, and personalized mental health solutions to enhance stress detection methodologies. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers seeking to advance the field of student mental stress detection and develop evidence-based strategies to foster a healthier academic environment.