Tracking the Pulse of Suicidology in Southeast Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of suicidology research in Southeast Asia, examining 255 documents retrieved from the Scopus database spanning 1954 to 2025. The analysis explores publication trends, key authors, institutions, countries, journals, keyword patterns, and citation metrics. Findings indicate a notable surge in suicidology research between 2022 and 2024, likely driven by the mental health aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia emerged as the most productive country, followed by Singapore and Thailand. Keyword analysis revealed “suicide”, “adult”, “adolescent”, “suicidal ideation”, and “suicide attempt” as dominant terms, reflecting both epidemiological priorities and ethical feasibility in research. Further, regional advancements such as the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Singapore and Malaysia contributed to a more supportive research environment. This analysis provides valuable insights into the regional research landscape and offers strategic guidance for future studies, collaborations, and policy development tailored to Southeast Asia’s unique socio-cultural and mental health contexts.