Abstract
This research explores the effectiveness of bibliotherapy as a mental health intervention for
young adults in Africa, focusing on its impact on anxiety, depression, and stress. With the
increasing mental health challenges faced by youth in African countries, bibliotherapy presents
a promising, non-invasive, and culturally adaptable intervention. Despite its potential, the
application of bibliotherapy remains underexplored in the African context, necessitating a
systematic narrative review to evaluate its effectiveness. The study adopts a narrative review
methodology, systematically synthesising studies published from 2019 onwards that examine
bibliotherapy interventions within African populations. Key findings reveal that bibliotherapy
can be effective in reducing mental health symptoms, with varying outcomes depending on
factors such as the severity of mental health conditions, cultural relevance, and the format of
the intervention (digital or traditional). The review also highlights that culturally adapted
bibliotherapy, which integrates local values and narratives, significantly enhances engagement
and therapeutic outcomes. However, the effectiveness of digital bibliotherapy is constrained by
challenges such as internet access and technological literacy in rural areas. The study concludes
that bibliotherapy is a viable tool for addressing mental health issues in young adults in Africa
but should be culturally tailored and implemented with appropriate resources.
Recommendations include developing culturally relevant bibliotherapy materials, expanding
access to digital platforms, training mental health professionals in bibliotherapy techniques,
and conducting long-term research on its effectiveness. A hybrid model combining digital and
traditional bibliotherapy should be considered to maximise accessibility and engagement
across diverse populations.
Keywords: Anxiety, Bibliotherapy, Depression, Stress, Young adults, Africa, Mental health
interventions.
Publication Date: 2026-05-03