Mental health literacy of the population: subject area development

The article presents an analysis of mental health literacy research practices. Bibliometric and qualitative analysis of publications in the international Scopus database were used as research methods. The term “Mental Health Literacy” was searched in the author’s title, abstract, and keywords from 1997 to 2021. The results of the analysis revealed a steady increase in the number of publications and citations, which indicates that the scientific community is interested in the topic in question. Three “peaks” of scientific interest in the subject are distinguished: discussion of the construct and research tools in 2005-2006, summarization of empirical research and introduction of new research aspects in 2010-2011, actualization of mental health topics as a consequence of the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. New research directions revealed: adolescent and young adult literacy, the impact of digitalization on mental health literacy, community involvement in improving literacy, and the positive component of mental health literacy. Identifies prospective directions related to Internet technologies and local community participation in solving public mental health issues. The barriers to further global research in the field are highlighted: the diversity of tools, the lack of a common conceptual framework for defining positive mental health and mental health promotion in general. It is concluded that mental health literacy and the development of special programs should not be limited to mental health professionals or people with mental illnesses.