Self help

Self-help or self-improvement is a self-guided improvement—economically, intellectually, or emotionally—often with a substantial psychological basis. Many different self-help group programs exist, each with its own focus, techniques, associated beliefs, proponents and in some cases, leaders. Concepts and terms originating in self-help culture and Twelve-Step culture, such as recovery, dysfunctional families, and codependency have become firmly integrated in mainstream language.

History

The origins of self-help can be traced back to ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle explored the concept of self-improvement. However, the modern self-help movement began in the United States in the mid-19th century with the publication of Samuel Smiles' "Self-Help" in 1859.

Self-help literature

Self-help literature, also known as 'Therapeutic' or 'Philosophical' literature, is a huge market that does a lot of good. Its writers tend to regard it as a more sophisticated version of the self-help genre, as it is often designed to deal with more complex or abstract issues, such as existential anxiety, or the search for personal meaning.

Self-help groups

Self-help groups are groups of people who provide mutual support for each other. In a self-help group, the members share a common problem, often a common disease or addiction. Their mutual goal is to help each other to deal with, if possible to heal or to recover from, this problem.

Criticism

While some critics argue that the self-help industry exploits the vulnerable, others claim that it simply doesn't work. They argue that the idea of self-improvement can sometimes lead to self-destruction, as it encourages people to strive for unattainable goals.

See also

• Self-care
• Support group
• Twelve-step program

References

Self help Resources
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