Tourism and mental disorder

Bibliometric and social media analysis and future avenues for research

Bibliographic Data

ID19218501
AuthorsAnestis Fotiadis (0000-0001-8806-7987, Zayed University, corresponding author), Efstathios Polyzos (0000-0002-4317-1809, Zayed University), Tomasz Korol (0000-0002-7623-3404, Gdańsk University of Technology)
Year2026
Pages1-21
Publication date2026-05-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTourism Recreation Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0250-8281 • E-ISSN: 2320-0308
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02508281.2026.2652634
OpenAlexW7161478805
LanguageEN
References cited82

This paper provides a systematic review of research at the intersection of mental health and tourism, an area of growing significance for consumer studies. Tourists represent a consumer group particularly vulnerable to the effects of mental disorders, with consequences for decision-making, experience quality, and overall well-being. We employ bibliometric analysis, combined with keyword and topic extraction on both academic papers and social media, using X (Twitter) as our data source, thus consolidating existing scholarship and tracing the development of the field. In this manner, we highlight dominant theories and methodological approaches employed in the extant work and hence reconcile fragmented insights, identifying underexplored dimensions of consumer vulnerability and wellness in tourism contexts. Our analysis contrasts academic findings with themes evident in wider public discourse, revealing areas of misalignment where consumer perspectives have yet to be sufficiently addressed in scholarly work. By analysing both academic and social media discourse, the paper highlights key areas for future research, based on key topics in the latter that are underexplored in the former. Our suggestions can be used by researchers to improve their understanding of the intersection of mental health and tourism, thus leading to improved services and outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Bibliometrics · Content analysis · Social impact · Social media · Tourism · Tourism geography · Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research · Global Healthcare and Medical Tourism · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management

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