A Bibliometric Analysis of Attachment Theory Research Over Four Decades

In recent years, the application of attachment theory in nursing education has attracted increasing attention. Despite the growing use of bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace in literature analysis, there have been no prior studies combining these methods to investigate this specific research area. This study includes a bibliometric analysis of articles related to attachment theory and nursing education published between January 1, 1981, and January 28, 2025. Data were retrieved from five major databases: Embase, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The analysis examined publication trends, contributing countries and institutions, research disciplines, and frequently used keywords. Results indicated that most publications originated from the United States, with Radboud University Nijmegen being the leading institution. Research primarily focused on fields such as nursing, educational sciences, psychiatry, healthcare services, and public health. Common keywords included attachment, adolescents, mental health, peer attachment, and self‐esteem. The study underscores the increasing relevance of attachment theory in nursing education and highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research that expands beyond the scope of medical education.