Self Help Books: Friends or Foes?
In my interactions with other therapists, I have often heard them remark on the superficiality and temporality of self-help books. There is a definite belief in the therapy world that the “real” therapy is done by and in the presence of a therapist. Scholars believe that the lack of regulation in the self-help industry is concerning and that caution should be taken. They profess that self-help books should be written to follow professional standards and guidelines and not because someone wants to make a buck. It is disturbing that these scholars believe that they are above the need to secure a profit, and that the intent of research is always, or routinely, purely academic. Even more disturbing is the idea that we—people who read self-help books—are idiots who cannot discern a good book from a bad book.
For me, there have been many life changing books and I believe that I am my books—a sort of ambulant library. It is not the only thing that defines me, but it is certainly an important component. Many times books have given me an opportunity to change my thinking. Other times they have provided me with an opportunity to express my feelings. And, at other times, books have given me a much-needed escape for my healing.
suggests that films, similar to books, provide a way to use laughter as medicine, hope, and encouragement; to cry for emotional catharsis; to question negative self beliefs; and to nurture strengths.
As expected, research has not been able to document the success of bibliotherapy, even though self-help books and other types of inspirational and motivational works of literature abound. However, scholars agree that bibliotherapy serves the purposes of validating or normalizing experiences; providing alternative solutions, deeper understandings, and facts; and motivating. They also encourage people to have discussions with others on what they have read. Scholars advocate the use of bibliotherapy as an adjunct to live therapy.
An old friend of mine who prides himself on not ever changing, always talks about how books are enslaving and mind washing. He would continually tell me to stop reading or else I would fall into the brain-washed masses. Because I hadn’t read enough books (ha!), I thought he was right. Regardless, his words had no effect because I couldn’t stop reading. I am not sure whether I need the escape, the validation, the excitement, or simply to be enslaved. Now, after reading so many more words of wisdom, I would like to challenge him by saying that we are all enslaved by what surrounds us whether that be a book, a family member, or a social responsibility. I choose books for my jail time.
Sources: Brown, E. F. (1975). Bibliotherapy and its' widening applications. Matuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, Inc.
Marrs, R. W. (1995). A meta-analysis of bibliotherapy studies. American Journal of Community Psychology, 23(6), 843- 870.
Riordan, R. J. (1991). Bibliotherapy revisited. Psychological Reports, 68(1), 306.
Riordan, R. J., & Wilson, L. S. (1989). Bibliotherapy: Does it work? Journal of Counseling and Development, 67, 506-508.
Schrank, F., & Engels, D. (1981). Bibliotherapy as a counseling adjunct: Research findings. The Personnel and Guidance Journal, 143-147.
Starker, S. (1988a). Do-it-yourself therapy: The prescription of self-help books by psychologists. Psychotherapy, 25, 142-146.
Jack, S. & Ronan, K. (2008). Bibliotherapy: Practice and Research. School Psychology International, 29: 161-182.
Author: Marisol Garcia, University of Connecticut
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