Self-Help

The term self-help has many connotations. Generally, self-help can be described as a way of improving oneself without the help of another. Self-help also refers to self-improvement strategies, such as when a person gains insight and solves problems through reading a self-help book, although self-help materials can also include workshops and support groups. When focusing solely on the reading process, self-help books typically are general advice books, inspirational books, books of programmed instruction, or autobiographies. This genre can be easily accessed in various locations for the general public, including bookstores, libraries, and Internet-based retailers. For the purpose of this entry, a self-help book is defined as a work of fiction or nonfiction that is widely available to the general public. As a high quality self-help ...