BRIEF REPORT - Bibliotherapy: An Approach to Helping Young People with Problems
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briefAbstract
Bibliotherapy is a process of dynamic interaction between the personality of the reader and literature (Russell and Shrodes, 1950).
When this interaction is guided by a skilled helper, therapeutic change can occur.
This process consists of four stages: In identification the reader finds that a character in the book is experiencing a problem similar to his own. Projection leads him to grasp the meaning of the story and the helper guides him in applying this meaning to his own problem. When abreaction and catharsis follow, it is imperative that the therapist guide and support the client through the experience of emotional release. In a satisfying conclusion to the process, the client gains new insight, which he utilizes through integration of possible solutions into his own life situation.
References
Berger, T. (1977). How does it feel when your parents get divorced? New York: Julian Messner.
Blume, J. (1972). It's not the end of the world. New York: Bradbury Press.
Danziger, P. (1982). The divorce express. New York: Delacorte Press.
Mann, P. (1973). My dad lives in a downtown hotel. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
Moore, E. (1980). Something to count on. New York: Dutton.
Perry, P., & Lynch, M. (1978). Mommy and Daddy are divorced. New York: Dial Press.
Russell, D. H . , & Shrodes, C. (1950). Contributions of research in bibliotherapy to the language arts program. School Review, 58, 335-342, 411-420.
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