Dimensions of Spiritual Well-Being and Mental Health in University Students: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Literature

Despite growing interest in holistic student health, research surrounding spiritual well-being and mental health in higher education remains fragmented. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database to map the intellectual structure, research trajectories, and international collaboration networks within this field from 1989 to May 2026. A total of 813 peer-reviewed journal articles were analyzed using VOSviewer and descriptive performance metrics. The findings show exponential growth in publication output, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Network co-occurrence analysis reveals core thematic hubs centered on mental health and psychological well-being, with emerging clusters around resilience, mindfulness, and crisis coping. International co-authorship mapping demonstrates a core–periphery network structure led by Western nations, alongside expanding regional contributions from developing economies. Overall, the literature reflects a transition toward multidimensional frameworks that integrate spiritual dimensions into psychological support models for higher education. These insights provide a foundational benchmark for guiding future interdisciplinary research and student welfare policy.