YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE IN ENGLISH — ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN BIBLIOTHERAPY FOR STUDENTS OF A TERTIARY INSTITUTE

Abstract

Bibliotherapy refers to a type of therapy to help people go through their emotional or mental problems by reading books, articles or texts. Although there is much literature and scholarly writing on bibliotherapy, its effects and usefulness for Malaysians are not fully explored or documented. In light of this, this research was conducted to find out how effective bibliotherapy is by having students read selected young adult books in English. The findings suggest that for some readers, bibliotherapy does help them to provide some emotional and mental relief, although there are a number of readers who do not report any positive effects. Finally, recommendations and considerations for further research are presented.