Scientific Developments and Trends in the Study of Trauma and Neuroeducational Development in Unaccompanied Migrant Minors: A Scientometric Analysis Between 2008 and 2025

Abstract

Research on unaccompanied foreign minors remains limited due to the low scientific visibility of this population and the complexity of trauma-related neurodevelopment. This study presents a scientometric analysis of international literature (2007–2025) to identify trends, collaboration networks, thematic clusters, and research gaps on trauma and neuroeducation in this field. Using data from Scopus and Web of Science, methodological, contextual, and thematic variables were coded and analysed through bibliometric and network techniques. Results show a 91% growth in publications since 2008, following an exponential pattern (r2 = 0.91), with 90 authors organised into 23 collaboration clusters and an average collaboration index of 0.80. Despite growing inter-institutional networks, research remains concentrated in France, the United States, and the United Kingdom–Africa axis. The study concludes that the field is entering a phase of consolidation, shifting from predominantly clinical perspectives toward preventive and integrative neuroeducational approaches that combine relational, cultural, and educational dimensions to mitigate the effects of migratory trauma.