BIBLIOTHERAPY IN ALLEVIATING THE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG SELECTED UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: A SURVEY-BASED EVALUATION

Abstract

In today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, university students often experience high levels of psychological distress. The increasing academic pressures, social expectations and personal challenges they face contribute to mental health concerns. It making crucial to explore effective ways to support their well-being. This study aims to assess with survey-based analysis, the impact of literature on the mental health of university students of the selected universities in Pakistan with focusing on anxiety, depression and stress level. The study examines literature reader vs non-reader students and their self-reported mental health outcomes. The study focus on standardized psychological scales of (Spitzer 2006), (Kroenke 2001), and (Cohen 1983). The research employs statistical techniques to explore the relationships between reading frequency, comparison and psychological well-being. The research aim to determine whether reading literature have a statistically significant positive effect on reducing psychological distress. Findings from the study may inform educational mental health initiatives, suggesting that literary engagement must be integrated into well-being programs to support student’s mental health. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on the role of literature in therapeutic settings and its broader implications for mental health support on educational campuses.