Tourism and mental disorder: bibliometric and social media analysis and future avenues for research

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Tourism Recreation Research

Publication Date

5-17-2026

Abstract

This paper provides a systematic review of research at the intersection of mental health and tourism, an area of growing significance for consumer studies. Tourists represent a consumer group particularly vulnerable to the effects of mental disorders, with consequences for decision-making, experience quality, and overall well-being. We employ bibliometric analysis, combined with keyword and topic extraction on both academic papers and social media, using X (Twitter) as our data source, thus consolidating existing scholarship and tracing the development of the field. In this manner, we highlight dominant theories and methodological approaches employed in the extant work and hence reconcile fragmented insights, identifying underexplored dimensions of consumer vulnerability and wellness in tourism contexts. Our analysis contrasts academic findings with themes evident in wider public discourse, revealing areas of misalignment where consumer perspectives have yet to be sufficiently addressed in scholarly work. By analysing both academic and social media discourse, the paper highlights key areas for future research, based on key topics in the latter that are underexplored in the former. Our suggestions can be used by researchers to improve their understanding of the intersection of mental health and tourism, thus leading to improved services and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

ISSN

0250-8281

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Disciplines

Tourism and Travel

Keywords

bibliometrics, Mental disorders, science mapping, Twitter

Scopus ID

105038939924

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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