Bibliotherapy: could a book be the new prescription for student stress?
NCT ID NCT07627139
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether reading specific self-help books can lower anxiety, depression, and rumination in university students aged 18-25. 110 students from health science programs will be randomly assigned to read one of two books or join a waiting list. Over 8 weeks, they will complete questionnaires to track changes in symptoms and thinking patterns.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
self-help books (metacognitive bibliotherapy)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to help students manage anxiety and depression without medication or therapy.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 110 students from one university. The results may not apply to everyone, and reading a book may not be enough for severe symptoms.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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