Although literature therapy is considered a relatively new concept with research currently being done to expand the idea, the idea of literature therapy as it exists today has actually existed for almost a hundred year.
The term bibliotherapy, which is a common term for literature therapy, was first coined by Crothers in 1916 where he “recommended assigned reading materials in order to expand an individual’s level of self-understanding and to expand the understanding of others’ perceptions.”
This same idea of an increased understanding of self and others is the basis for literature therapy today. When we better understand ourselves and the world around us we have a better awareness of our experiences and are better able to cope with the difficulties that arise. This is the idea that Crothers developed almost a hundred years ago.
The healing power of literature has been found even further back in history, throughout time. Researchers have recognized the ancient Greeks as the first people to recognize books as therapeutic tools. Around 300 BCE the inscription above the library at Thebes in Alexandria, Egypt read, “The Healing Place of the Soul.” A similar inscription was also found in the Medieval Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland reading, “The Medicine Chest for the Soul.”
These ancient peoples recognized the medicinal and healing effects that literature can have on the soul. More recently, research has identified these healing effects as reduced stressed, better sleep, increased empathy, improved understanding and a greater ability to solve problems.
In recent years the study of bibliotherapy has greatly expanded and bibliotherapy programs have emerged in certain areas of the world.
References
Melissa Allen Heath, Kathryn Smith, Ellie L. Young. “Using Children’s Literature to Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning.” 2017.
Debbie McCulliss. “Bibliotherapy: Historical and Research Perspectives.”2012.