Does bibliotherapy actually work? (My two-years-on take)
If we look at some of the research, there are dozens of benefits claimed to be associated with bibliotherapy. Experts suggest that reading reduces stress levels by 67%, which most of us readers would probably agree with – it’s one of our favourite ways to unwind for a reason. There are also studies suggesting we mimic the behaviour of our favourite characters, which is probably the area of research that’s of most interest to me.
In my own informal, very unscientific and unqualified experience, bibliotherapy has been a great success. The books I’ve read have contributed so much to the huge personal changes I’ve undergone in the last few years, especially after I started making a more conscious effort to choose the right book for the right time.
I used books to…
- Escape into nature
- Find courage in stoic philosophy
- Learn poems by heart that brought me strength
- Hear the stories of inspiring women
- Design a life that makes me as happy as possible
- Boost my mood when I’m feeling down
- Reduce anxiety and feel calmer
- Help me to overcome post-traumatic stress
Here are some of my favourite articles I’ve published on bibliotherapy:
- What Bibliotherapy Means to Me
- Bibliotherapy For Anxiety: Active, Beautiful & Calming Fictional Books
- Bibliotherapy: Mood-Boosting & Gloomy Books For Depression
- ‘Reading Meditation’ And Bibliotherapy
- Reading Fiction Doesn’t Mean You’re Lonely (But Non-Fiction Might)
- Why Do We Enjoy Reading Fiction? (Fiction on the Brain, Part I)
- Fiction as a Simulation of Life (Fiction on the Brain, Part II)
- 15 Mood-Boosting and Feel-Good Books for 2014
- 10 Quick Ways to Feel Better with Fiction
- Here’s Why You Should Reread Your Favourite Novels (Again and Again)