The Effect of Parent-Child Relationship on Social-Emotional Development: Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

This bibliometric analysis examined 625 publications (1980-2024) on how parent-child relationships affect children’s social-emotional development. Interest surged post-2000, peaking in the 2020s. Research indicates that democratic parenting and secure attachment foster positive growth, while authoritarian, permissive, neglectful styles, and insecure attachment are linked to adverse outcomes. The USA, China, Australia, and Canada lead this research. The study offers a comprehensive overview to guide future work. In this context, the study aims to understand the impact of parent-child relationships on social-emotional development, directing future research and providing valuable insights for Behavior Therapy (BT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioners.