Bibliotherapy

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed an upsurge in the therapeutic use of books. With its initial roots in psychodynamic theory, available models emphasize features of the relationship between the personality of a reader and the cognitive and affective experience offered through literature. This article explores the historical development of bibliotherapy focusing on its use in therapeutic practice and associated research. The current authors suggest that the field of bibliotherapy is in need of development with regard to more methodologically stringent forms of validation, notwithstanding meta-analytic findings in some areas. Additionally, coherent taxonomies and theory-driven practice models are particularly needed to underpin increased rigor in answering scholarly questions. With these caveats in mind, and in light of findings in recent years, bibliotherapy does hold promise as a useful adjunct for the busy practitioner and client. Highlighted throughout the article are the suggested benefits of bibliotherapy as well as a call for practitioners to consider the value of pragmatic evaluation of bibliotherapy within the context of managing their own local practice.

Perceptions of bibliotherapy: a survey of undergraduate students

“…Similarly, it was recorded in 300 B.C. that a library in Alexandria (ancient Egypt) held the inscription, remedy for the mind (Cornett & Cornett, 1980;Detrixhe, 2010;Heath et al, 2005;Jack & Ronan, 2008;Jones, 2006). These are just two examples of many relics found across the world showing how people of many cultures for thousands of years have utilized books as an instrument to aid in the soothing, healing, enlightening, and developmental growth of people.…”

“…As early as 1978, Glasgow and Rosen conducted a review of bibliotherapy materials and found inconsistencies in terminology; they suggested that facilitators of bibliotherapy should agree on definitions relating to bibliotherapy and its usage. However, it is difficult to develop consensus on a definition of bibliotherapy because the technique has been used across a range of disciplines, such medicine, education, psychology, human services, and other social sciences (Hynes & Hynes-Berry, 2012;Jack & Ronan, 2008;Rubin, 1978).…”

“…The history of using literature for healing and coping dates back to the Ancient Greeks and has been widely accepted by librarians, psychotherapists, and other medical professionals since the early 1960s (Aiex, 1993;Brown, 1975;Cornett & Cornett, 1980;Dysart-Gale, 2008;Heath et al, 2005;Johnson et al, 2001;Jones, 2006;Pardeck & Pardeck, 1984;Pardeck, 1994;Shepherd & Iles, 1976;Rubin, 1978;Zaccaria & Moses;1969). However, other scholars have acknowledged the influential power of verbal and written stories on people since the beginning of time (Cornett & Cornett, 1980;Jack & Ronan, 2008). Consider Thebes, where healing place for the soul is engraved above a…”

“…New England Primer, McGuffey Readers) were didactic in nature and were intended to teach children academics while instilling positive morals (Moses & Zaccaria, 1969;Pardeck & Pardeck, 1984;Pardeck, 1993). In 1916, Samuel Crothers coined the term bibliotherapy (Briggs & Pehrsson, 2008;Brown, 1975;Cornett & Cornett, 1980;Detrixhe, 2010;Heath et al, 2005;Jack & Ronan, 2008;Jones, 2006). Crothers utilized bibliotherapy to assist adults with emotional troubles and other conditions (Jones, 2006;Sullivan & Strang, 2002).…”

“…In the 1920s and 1930s librarians began making lists of books that helped patrons and counselors identify books for people in need (Abdullah, 2002;Brown, 1975;Hynes & Hynes-Berry, 1986Lu, 2008;Pardeck, 1994). William Menninger established the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas, where bibliotherapy was implemented in the form of reading groups for patients (Brown, 1975;Dysart-Gale, 2008;Jack & Ronan, 2008;Jones, 2006;Pehrsson & McMillen, 2005). At that time, bibliotherapy was a standalone treatment practiced by professionals and nonprofessionals in psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and the library fields (Briggs & Pehrsson, 2008;Jack & Ronan, 2008;Pehrsson & McMillen, 2005;Sullivan & Strang, 2002).…”