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Bibliotherapy is fast becoming a cutting-edge technique for boosting mental health and wellbeing. But does it work—and what should you be reading? The answer is more complicated than you might think.
What Is Bibliotherapy? A Personalized Approach to Healing Through Books
During the summer of 2017, Elizabeth Russell, a Connecticut teacher-librarian, was in the midst of an ugly divorce and struggling to keep up with long-term depression. Frazzled, she had stumbled upon creative bibliotherapy—a practice where tastefully chosen fiction novels are prescribed to directly respond to the emotional issues a person is grappling with.
Russell was paired with Ella Berthoud, a British bibliotherapist and co-author of The Novel Cure, who personally handpicked a list of novels that addressed Russell's circumstances, like George and Lizzie by Nancy Pearl. "It opened something in me that needed to heal," Russell recalls. This personalized book experience isolated her less and made her more secure in her capacity to get through her challenges.
The Emergence of Bibliotherapy: Fiction as a Mental Health Treatment
Bibliotherapy is not just about self-help literature—fiction has a significant influence as well. Its champions argue that becoming immersed in fiction allows the emotional brain an opportunity, fosters empathy, and provides a legitimate relief from tension. Research published in The Lancet (2016) states that reading literature can "help relieve, restore, and reinvigorate the troubled mind."
With mental health treatment, in much of the world, stretched thin, bibliotherapy stands as an affordable complement to standard care. In the United Kingdom, programs like The Reading Agency's Reading Well have shared millions of books approved with patients who suffer from depression, dementia, and other illnesses.
Fiction vs. Self-Help: What Does Science Say?
While self-help literature has shown positive results—especially with depression and anxiety—the effects of fiction are more complicated. Research has shown that reading fiction can:
Improve empathy and altruism
Reduce stigma against stigmatized populations
Improve the behavior and self-expression of children
But experts caution against assuming fiction is a panacea. James Carney, a cognitive scientist, says books are not a magic bullet; their impact is largely dependent on the reader, the book, and how the reader reads.
When Books Can Harm: The Dark Side of Bibliotherapy
Not everything in bibliotherapy succeeds. Reading about characters who are eating-disordered actually worsens symptoms in vulnerable readers. Emily Troscianko, a literary scientist, argues that these novels tend to cause unpleasant feelings and obsessive thinking, drawing readers into harmful modes of thinking.
Similarly, addiction stories extolling this vice can damage people with the habit. Healthcare professionals advise caution, recommending bibliotherapy only in combination with other therapies and never for complex mental health problems like psychosis or suicidal tendencies.
How to Get the Most Out of Bibliotherapy
Engagement matters. Studies reveal that readers who feel emotionally absorbed and personally connected to books experience the greatest wellbeing benefits. James Carney recommends group discussions to deepen reflection, helping readers process difficult emotions safely.
Public libraries and programs like Reading Well are wonderful places to find these aptly chosen books. If the first book is not a hit, try another genre or short work like poetry. For some who do not enjoy reading, other creativity options like music or graphic arts may offer a mental health lift as well.
Elizabeth Russell's Story: Bibliotherapy as a Lifeline
Elizabeth Russell remains a fervent bibliotherapy supporter today, having continued working alongside Ella Berthoud and even providing bibliotherapy sessions as presents for friends. She now uses it in the classroom to help students sort out themes of immigration and loss, reminding them, "You are not on this journey by yourself."
Final Thoughts: Bibliotherapy Isn't One-Size-Fits-All—but It Can Help
Bibliotherapy offers a unique, personal path toward improved mental wellbeing, but it’s not a replacement for professional treatment. The key lies in finding the right books and approaches for each individual. If you’re curious, start small, stay open-minded, and seek support from health professionals when needed.
Disclaimer
This is an informational article and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding any issues of mental well-being.
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