A Scientometric Analysis of Spiritual Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Noraini Junoh; Zanirah Mustafa@Busu; Mohd Nazri Mat Zin; Ahmad Baha Mokhtar

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v11i37.7968

Authors

Noraini Junoh Senior Lecturer, Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, University of Technology MARA, Kelantan Branch, 18500 Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia
Zanirah Mustafa@Busu Senior Lecturer, Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, University of Technology MARA, Kelantan Branch, 18500 Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Nazri Mat Zin Senior Lecturer, Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, University of Technology MARA, Kelantan Branch, 18500 Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia
Ahmad Baha Mokhtar Assistant Professor, Fakulti Usuluddin Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Brunei Darussalam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i37.7968

Keywords:

Scientometric, Spirituality, Well-being, Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in the digital age has brought significant changes to the way humans understand spiritual well-being. AI is no longer just a technological tool, but also affects cognitive processes, the formation of meaning in life and the emotional and spiritual balance of humans. However, the increased reliance on AI raises concerns about the potential for a reduction in self-reflection and spiritual awareness among modern societies. Accordingly, the study aims to map the global research landscape related to AI and spiritual well-being, identify the most prolific authors, countries, and institutions, and examine trends and knowledge gaps in these areas. The study used a scientometric approach by analysing 182 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2016 and 2025. The data was obtained from the Web of Science database and analyzed using bibliometric techniques. The VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software are used to conduct scientific mapping analysis, including keyword analysis, collaborative networks, as well as the intellectual structure of the study area. The study findings showed a consistent increase in academic publications over the study period, with the United States emerging as the most dominant country in this field. Keyword analysis showed the dominance of terms such as spirituality, artificial intelligence and health, alongside themes such as community well-being, indigenous health, youth, cancer and culture-based interventions. On the other hand, citation analysis shows a tendency towards holistic and community health approaches, with increasing interest in the use of AI and digital platforms in the context of human well-being. Although the field is growing rapidly, there is an imbalance in the focus of research, specifically the preference for clinical and psychosocial aspects over the deep integration between spirituality and technological theory. This state of affairs shows the existence of a significant knowledge gap in the cross-cultural aspects and spiritual experiences mediated by AI. Therefore, this study suggests the need for a cross-disciplinary research agenda to strengthen theoretical understanding and practical application in developing technologies that support human spiritual well-being in a more holistic manner.

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