Scientometric Analysis of Research Work on Mental Workload

Background: Modern work environments characterized by high cognitive demand can generate significant mental workload. Studying this phenomenon helps us to understand how cognitive demands affect workers’ performance, health, and well-being. A scientometric analysis of mental workload allows for the identification of trends, gaps, and emerging areas in scientific research. Objective: This study aims to analyze the development of the literature on mental workload in terms of the most relevant studies, main authors and their networks, main journals and keywords, countries and institutions leading research, and main research areas. Methods: A scientometric and bibliometric analysis was conducted through a search of scientific articles published in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 1975 and 2024. Results: Of the total number of publications, 71.2% occurred in the last 10 years. A total of 87.16% of the articles have 0 citations or less than 50. The countries with the greatest production and influence are the United States, China, and Germany. Among the main areas of study were “Engineering”, “Psychology”, “Transportation”, and “Surgery.” Conclusions: Publications and citations on the subject have grown significantly. This justifies the need to study mental workload in other areas and cultural contexts.