Reframing child abuse and neglect research through a social work lens: a global bibliometric and thematic evolution analysis (2000–2025) - Takeaways - MDSpire

Analyzing Child Abuse and Neglect Literature Through a Social Work Perspective: A Global Bibliometric and Thematic Review (2000–2025)

  • By

  • Fatih Cebeci

  • July 20, 2026

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  • 1

    The study maps child neglect and abuse literature through a social work lens from 2000 to 2025, focusing on child welfare and protection systems.

  • 2

    A dataset of 6,132 articles was analyzed using bibliometric methods to examine publication trends, co-authorship networks, and thematic evolution.

  • 3

    Publication output increased from 109 in 2000 to 362 in 2025, indicating a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5%.

  • 4

    Collaboration in the field is concentrated in high-income countries, with the United States as a central hub linked to the UK, Canada, and Australia.

  • 5

    The findings highlight a shift towards system- and prevention-oriented themes, emphasizing child welfare and protection in the literature.

Original Source(s)

Reframing child abuse and neglect research through a social work lens: a global bibliometric and thematic evolution analysis (2000–2025)

  • by Fatih Cebeci

  • July 20, 2026

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