Books to Support Mental Well-Being: A Study on the Possible Challenges in Implementing Bibliotherapy in the Sri Lankan Context.

Abstract

This ongoing research examines the Bibliotherapy in several aspects. Bibliotherapy is the "process of dynamic interactions between the personality of the reader and literature as a psychological field which may be utilized for personality assessment, adjustment and growth" (Shrodes, 1949). The focus of the study is on defining the concept, determining the capacity of Bibliotherapy to support mental well-being and discuss the possible challenges in applying Bibliotherapy to the Sri Lankan context. The study involved a qualitative thematic analysis concerning the selected areas. The study revealed that Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach which is assisted by the healing power of books; the reading therapy. The previous studies reveal that this concept is new to Sri Lanka, compared to several other countries which practice this method competently. According to the statistics of secondary data sources, the necessity of counselling and psychological support for the individuals in Sri Lanka is increasing day by day. In such a context, this can be a solution for the pressing psychological issues faced by the individuals. Sources of reading materials are found everywhere in Sri Lanka and the implementation of the therapy within the country appreciably can stand as a slayer of the psychosocial insecurities faced by the public. It was interpreted that this therapy is more effective for those that display an inborn preference for reading. Approaching diverse psychological issues with focused Bibliotherapeutic approaches is vital. Accordingly, a well trained group of Bibliotherapists is a necessity. In implementing this service in Sri Lanka, inadequate number of professionally qualified Bibliotherapists will be a challenge. Moreover, in training Bibliotherapists, Government will need a stable financial provision along with the assistance of professionals representing foreign countries. Enlightening the relevant authorities about the importance of this concept and introducing it to the Sri Lankan library system can also be suggested.