Do Self-Help Books Really Help?
By Laura Lee - April 18, 2022

Most of the people we know are looking to transform their lives in one way or another. The market for self-help books is so wide and diverse that people from all around the globe invest in them. People usually compare self-help books with therapy and then conclude that self-help books are a cheaper alternative to therapy. However, the real question is that are they even helpful? Do they even work?

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Everyone can benefit from self-help books and most people usually do. We all know that habits are so instilled in each one of us that it gets a little exhausting to change them. Moreover, we all love to change, no one of us is perfect. Self-help books channel this thought in the most approachable way ever. However, a review of scientific literature states, “self-help books are more effective at helping us learn new life skills, like assertiveness, problem-solving and even tidiness.” This is a beam of hope that we can learn new skills without even investing a great deal of money. However, self-help books do not guarantee successive adaptations to behavior.

They are a good effort, however, we should realize that there is no alternative to therapy. It is essential that you should prioritize talking to a therapist rather than relying on self-help books. The same research that was conducted above mentioned, “self-help books are effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression, but less so in other areas, like alcoholism and schizophrenia.” To begin with your self-help journey, it is essential that you first realize and notice the key areas in which you will be needing help. Choose the right book after going through proper reviews and ratings. Once you’ve chosen your book, make sure that you take your time to go through the book.