Mapping Global Research on Dance Movement Therapy and Middle 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 recognized worldwide, with notable rates of depression and anxiety. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) and culturally adapted interventions, such as Tari Madya, show potential as non-pharmacological strategies to enhance well-being. Despite growing interest, a comprehensive bibliometric overview is lacking. This study maps global research trends on DMT and Middle Dance for midlife mental health using Scopus (2020–2025), applying PRISMA for article selection. Bibliometric tools (VOSviewer, Biblioshiny) analyzed publication output, co-authorship networks, citations, and thematic evolution. A total of 142 articles from 34 countries and 89 journals were included, yielding 3,247 citations. Publications rose from 18 in 2020 to 35 in 2024. Key contributors were the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Thematic clusters highlighted DMT, mental health and well-being, and midlife adults, while culturally adapted Middle Dance therapies emerged as novel research directions.