REBT BiVR: a bibliometric and systematic review of virtual reality-based sign language therapy for deaf women survivors of sexual violence

Purpose The purpose of this study is to synthesize existing evidence through a bibliometric and systematic literature review (B+SLR) on the use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), virtual reality (VR), and Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) in psychological interventions, in order to establish a rationale for an integrated, adaptive, and trauma-informed digital therapy model for Deaf women survivors of sexual violence. Design/methodology/approach Adhering to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines, the authors systematically searched the Scopus database for English-language articles published between January 1, 2015, and July 31, 2025, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Findings Data from the 17 included studies were analyzed via thematic synthesis and supplemented by bibliometric analysis. The synthesis confirms that while REBT is effective for cognitive restructuring in trauma, and VR provides a safe, immersive therapeutic environment, both approaches lack adaptation for deaf individuals. Originality/value Notably, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies were found that explicitly integrate all three components. This review highlights a significant gap in the literature and provides the evidence-based foundation for the proposed REBT BiVR model, a novel intervention framework designed to bridge this communicative and technological divide.