More benefit from a well-stocked library than a well-stocked pharmacy: How do readers use books as therapy?

Abstract

It has long been acknowledged that readers can find solace in literature. Since the term bibliotherapy was coined in 1916, attempts have been made to harness this quality of the reading experience to help people improve their health and well-being. Particularly used for mental health problems like depression and anxiety, bibliotherapy is a non-medical intervention focused on developing coping skills and resilience. Texts used in bibliotherapy can range from imaginative literature such as poems and novels to informational self-help books based on recognised therapeutic techniques. While there are schemes in UK public libraries aiming to help the reader to locate self-help books, readers are also using the resources of the public library to 'self-medicate' and find texts that appeal to them in times of need. The aim of this study, conducted for doctoral research, was to investigate how books and bibliotherapy are used by readers as a coping technique and as an intervention to maintain good mental health. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 readers, taking a life-narrative approach to learn how different texts helped the reader to cope with challenges in their lives. Over half of these readers also participated in reading groups, and discussed the impact of reading in a group environment. Interview data was analysed using an emic, ethnographic framework. Readers identified four ways in which they used bibliotherapy to provide emotional engagement, social support, information and to escape from symptoms of mental health problems. Bibliotherapy was a diversely-understood concept, and books used included a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, 2 poetry and self-help materials. Participants in this research used bibliotherapy in several ways not previously discussed in the academic literature on the subject, and four new user-centred models that synthesise readers' needs throughout their experience of mental health problems are presented here. These four models are:  Emotive bibliotherapy – an individual emotional connection with a work of imaginative literature, often validating feelings and decreasing isolation;  Escapist bibliotherapy – a means of escaping from the negative experience of symptoms of mental health problems;  Social bibliotherapy – the social discussion of texts in a group environment;  Informational bibliotherapy – a quest for self-education and understanding about mental health problems. Building on these four concepts will help to shape future bibliotherapy interventions in the public library, and will also help to further understanding about the motivations and benefits of reading for all readers.