Bibliotherapy
How the simple act of reading can change lives
Impact of Bibliotherapy
Reading reduces stress by up to 68% and is almost 300% more effective than going for a walk to reduce cortisol
Books can contribute to your social life, staying social has big benefits including preventing isolation, which is a risk factor for depression and dementia
It offers relaxation, stimulation, knowledge and self-development, new perspectives on life and inspiration
Unguided self-help through bibliotherapy can produce improvement for
individuals with social anxiety disorder
Reading helps us to mentally slow down, relax physically and put as at ease, priming us for a restful night's sleep
Reading has been shown to increase empathy, this allows us to show greater care for one another and increases our communication ability as well
Psychologists often utilise self-help books with their patients to offer further support between sessions and there are many incredible books on the topic
Books are cost effective, elicit positive responses from patients and allow for
improved patient self-management
How reading can help you and your team
69%
Reduction in stress
18%
Increase in life satisfaction
50%
Increase in decision making ability
History of Bibliotherapy
Sigmund Freud began using literature during psychoanalysis sessions. After the First World War, traumatized soldiers returning home from the front were often prescribed a course of reading.
Librarians in the United States were given training on how to give books to WW1 veterans. Jane Austen’s novels were also used for bibliotherapeutic purposes at the same time.
Later in the century, bibliotherapy was used in varying ways in hospitals and libraries, and has more recently been taken up by psychologists, social and aged-care workers, and doctors as a viable mode of therapy.
Bibliotherapy is still widely used today in both America and the United Kingdom through government endorsed programs to support patients as they battle with never before seen rates of mental health conditions.
Use bibliotherapy in your workplace
Brothers and Books gives speeches to organisations that are looking to build resilience, inspire innovation, develop a culture of education and curiosity.
Our Research
In 2024 Brothers and Books commissioned an evaluation into the psychological benefits from our annual reading challenge “The World’s Coolest Read-A-Thon”.
