Women are particularly interested in self-help books, an American survey reveals. Photo: AFP
The new year is a time when many of us try to develop our creative passions, such as art projects or writing.
Interestingly a recent American survey reveals that the genre of choice for budding writers is not fiction, as one might have thought, but personal development.
Some 47% of Americans think they could use their life experiences to write a self-help book.
Interestingly, young people are far more confident about having valuable lessons to impart to readers than older generations. For example, 81% of the Gen Z Americans surveyed in this ThriftBooks survey believe they can do it, compared to just 48% of Millennials. Baby Boomers are the most skeptical about their ability to write a book that provides insight into improving one's physical or mental condition (28%).
Young people's enthusiasm for books about personal development can be explained by the fact that this age group is avid readers of this literary genre. The readers surveyed read their first book about well-being when they were, on average, 14 years old. Members of Generation Z started even earlier, with 60% of them interested in this theme from the age of 10.
Another theory for why personal development titles are so popular among (very) young readers is that many children and teenagers suffer from anxiety or other psychological issues and in recent years society has normalised recognising such malaise and talking about it.
As a result, some readers turn to empowering content to help them get through difficult times. This phenomenon has not escaped the attention of publishing houses, which are increasingly publishing books on the importance of self-confidence, or on the benefits of practicing yoga from childhood onwards.
In addition to a younger demographic, women also embrace this category of books. In fact, they are more likely than men to tell their friends and family that they read self-help books (72% v 65%). Three quarters of female readers surveyed also believe that these books are well received by society as a whole. By comparison, only 65% of their male counterparts share the same opinion.
This reflects a change in attitude towards books that have often been criticised for being simplistic. Generally speaking, 68% of respondents don't hesitate to tell those around them that they read such titles. They are particularly fond of manuals that help them better manage their relationships (romantic, family, friends, etc.), as well as books about self-motivation. These themes are more topical than ever at the start of the new year.
*This survey was conducted by OnePoll, on behalf of the ThriftBooks website, among a panel of 2,000 Americans. Data was collected on Nov 6 and 7, 2023. - AFP
