Exploring young adult literature in support of the use of bibliotherapy in the family and consumer sciences classroom

The FCSE classroom is an excellent place for the implementation of developmental bibliotherapy, a means of assisting a reader’s personal insight utilizing literature. The benefits of incorporating young adult literature (YAL) and other literary means in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education classroom are many. Due to the personal, familial, and social components of FCSE, YAL is a highly useful complement. This study showed how quality YAL equips students with strategies to both improve literacy and pave a path for optimal personal growth. Adolescents can adopt practical problem-solving skills necessary to make responsible decisions consistent with individual needs, wants, values and priorities. They can then use these skills to assist in navigating adulthood. This study sought to answer an overarching research question: How could YAL such as the Bluford Series support the implementation of developmental bibliotherapy in the Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum? This research question was answered through a content analysis of the first three books in the Bluford Series which was guided by three inquiry questions. 1. What are the thematic issues or practical problems (intra/interpersonal) encountered by the characters in the Bluford Series? 2. What emotions and feelings are identified by the characters in the books and how are they displayed or expressed? 3. What actions are taken by the characters to cope with and/or resolve the situation?

This qualitative study used concept maps to record the frequency of major themes. Thematic analysis of meanings helped to organize and identify the major themes. Data from the concept maps was compiled in tables for each of the three books. Tables included the major themes, supporting themes, coding results (frequencies), and the average occurrence of the themes. For each research question, data was combined in column charts and/or pie charts to specifically identify predominance of themes. In this study, we learned that the Bluford Series is one example of how adolescent- directed literature can serve as bibliotherapy. Stories revolving around the lives of adolescents in contemporary society allow FCS students to recognize the parallels to their own lives. An FCS educator might be able to use the predominant themes identified in this content analysis for instructional units as illustrations of the concepts addressed in the course.