The use of self-help books during the divorce process: A qualitative study

This qualitative study reflects the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology and narrative theory. It explored the essences (themes) of the meaning of recommending or reading self-help books by therapists and divorced adults during the divorce process. Participants told their stories during small group interviews of three or four participants. Themes discovered from the therapist small group interviews were Discrepant Time, Practical Action, Personal Selection and Preparation, and Therapist\u27s Professional Approach. These themes describe how the therapists use self-help books to extend therapy time and as a way to meet the needs of their clients. The needs of clients are varied and there is not a cookbook approach to recommending self-help books. There are problems related to recommending self-help books and the therapists use self-help books in creative ways to overcome these difficulties. The therapists are aware of a variety of self-help books that are applicable to the various concerns associated with the divorce process and try to keep up with new publications as much as possible. They understand their role as therapist is to help divorced adults to heal and move on with their lives and therapists\u27 use of self-help books is directed toward this major goal. Major themes emerging from the Divorced Adults small group interviews were Restructuring Life Over Time, Reasons for Reading Self-Help Books, and Search and Find. These themes indicate that the reading of self-help books varied in terms of when they read, how much they read, and what they read. They read self-help books to find meaning in their lives that had been disrupted by divorce. Through self-help books they learn about the divorce process and what they could expect over time. These books provided support in a number of ways. Books were available when friends were not. Books helped some to make the decision to divorce and, for some, books acted as a substitute for therapy. The final chapter examines the similarities and differences between the experiences of reading and or recommending self-help books. This is followed by suggestions for future research, implications for practice, and personal reflections by the participants and myself