Theoretical Deficiency in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Dual-Track Dilemma in Knowledge Dissemination: A Critical Review Based on Bibliometric Analysis

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as a theoretical and practical framework widely applied in psychology, education, and business management, has garnered increasing attention from researchers in recent years. However, despite its notable application achievements, the foundational theoretical construction—particularly regarding the “logical levels of thinking”—remains relatively weak. This paper conducts a systematic analysis of Chinese and English literature related to NLP and “Neuro-Linguistic Programming” from 2000 to 2024, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection and CNKI databases. The analysis reveals a prominent characteristic of the field: a significant "practice-driven, theory-deficient" pattern, demonstrating a pronounced practical orientation in NLP research alongside a relative neglect of foundational theoretical exploration. Moreover, this study discusses the resulting dual-track dilemma in knowledge dissemination, namely the disjunction between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By proposing a “dual-track dilemma of knowledge dissemination” model, this paper aims to offer directional recommendations for the deeper development and refinement of NLP theory, providing researchers with a more systematic theoretical framework and avenues for critical reflection.