Despite the research being done, literature therapy is still a relevantly new concept. However, there are programs emerging around the world that are taking advantage of the idea of literature therapy to improve lives.
One of these programs is the “Books on Prescription.” This program operates out of public libraries in the United Kingdom and Ireland. People are referred to the program where they are given a combination of fiction and self-help books in order to provide a self-help method of assisting those with low to medium levels of mental illness.
This program is designed with the idea that when people are given the correct resources they can help themselves when dealing with low severity mental illnesses. It is often described as a low-cost solution to mental illness because it does not require many resources and simply operates as a program which gives people the resources to help themselves.
In 2012 Rebecca Furness and Biddy Casselden performed an evaluation on this program and found that throughout the United Kingdom widespread mental illness is still a constant, that helpful and effective treatment is still inadequate and that only a quarter of adults suffering from depression or anxiety disorders are receiving treatments. Their conclusions were that although this program does not appear to be making a huge impact, that a widespread, standardized Books on Prescription program could provide simple access and have a positive impact on the quality of lives of those suffering from mental illness.
In addition, Patricia Neville studied that role of Book on Prescription programs in Ireland and concluded in her findings that overall participants were positively inclined to literature therapy.
Let us know about other programs you’ve heard of and the impacts that they are making around the world.
References
Rebecca Furness and Biddy Casselden. “An Evaluation of a Books on Prescription Scheme in a UK Public Library Authority.” 2012