Abstract:

In times of globalization processes, when the connection on a socio-cultural level is particularly strong and the reflection on individuals is ubiquitous, crisis processes are all-encompassing. The world suffered severely from the consequences of COVID-19, which affected not only the existential world of individuals, but also all spheres of public life. In times of such trials, the role of science dealing with therapy is growing. Bibliotherapy, which originated in the 20th century, is developing its potential in relation to the conditions and challenges of the environment. That is why its role is important during crisis situations, where the need for psychological support and therapy is crucial. The therapeutic potential of writing has long been explored as a real and objective factor that helps to overcome various stressful situations to be processed and transformed into a creative act.

Provoked by the created atypical situation and the possibilities for searching for different forms of dealing with the created situation in 2020, the project "Study of attitudes to the therapeutic potential of reading in atypical situations for the individual" was launched with Contract № KP-06-H45 / 2 of 30.11.2020, funded by the National Science Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science. The research envisaged in the project will create a real picture of society's attitudes towards reading as a therapeutic tool for dealing with atypical situations for the individual. In the first stage of the project, an author's questionnaire was created for conducting a nationally representative survey, the aim of which is to establish the perception and use of the therapeutic functions of reading by the population in Bulgaria. The project also developed a methodology for conducting interviews with Bulgarian authors in order to highlight their positions related to the therapeutic function of the books. Based on the interviews, an analysis will be performed to show the position of the artist, who is aware of the potential of the book and its role in overcoming difficult life situations through the creative transformation of emotions embedded in their work.

The report aims to present the main hypothesis set at the beginning of the research, as well as the methodology and structure of these interviews and to outline the main parameters of the study. The next publication will review and analyze specific interviews with Bulgarian writers and cultural figures who share their experience with writing and report on its therapeutic role.

Keywords:

COVID-19, pandemic, project, interviews, writers.