Figure 4.

A road map to the systematic review. On the road map, we can appreciate the following: (1) That most of the studies on the last round of analysis were comparative experimental studies (9) that used a control group. (2) The studies most often had sample sizes smaller than 50 participants (6), but larger studies with less than 200 participants were also frequent. (3, 4) These studies tried to measure the efficacy of bibliotherapy mostly on patients with depression, anxiety disorders, and functional psychosis. (5) A variety of standardized tests, scales, and questionnaires were used along with interviews to measure the degree of change achieved through treatment. (6) Autonomy and liberty were the values most often related with positive results in these studies. (7) Bibliotherapy was offered in-person and through telephone sessions, although many of the studies did not pay enough attention to this aspect of the study. (8) A wide array of literature options was offered for these treatments, most frequently the clinician-supported problem-solving literature was used. (9) Nine out of the 13 studies reported positive results of bibliotherapy, which was considered a cost-efficient therapy suitable for mild to moderate disorders.