Mapping global research on dance movement therapy and Madya dance: a bibliometric study of mental health and well-being in middle age

Mental health challenges among middle-aged adults (40–60 years) are increasingly recognised worldwide. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) and culturally adapted movement interventions have gained attention as non-pharmacological approaches to psychological well-being. Madya Dance is used as an age-oriented operational concept for culturally responsive movement practices designed for adults aged 40–60 years; it is neither a formal psychotherapeutic modality nor a traditional dance genre. This study mapped research trends on DMT, Madya Dance, and midlife mental health using Scopus-indexed publications from 2020 to 2025. Following PRISMA-based selection, bibliometric analyses were conducted with VOSviewer and Biblioshiny to examine publication trends, collaboration networks, citation patterns, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. A total of 142 articles from 34 countries and 89 journals generated 3,247 citations. Publications increased from 18 in 2020 to 35 in 2024. Thematic mapping identified clinical DMT, community well-being, embodiment, neuroplasticity, and culturally adapted movement as themes and future directions.