Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and identity crises among university students has highlighted the urgent need for innovative mental health interventions. Literary therapy, rooted in cultural and narrative traditions, offers a non-invasive and accessible approach to psychological healing. Unlike Western bibliotherapy models, Chinese literary therapy integrates unique cultural elements, philosophical insights, and aesthetic systems to facilitate emotional regulation and cognitive reframing. Contemporary Chinese novels, with their rich narratives and culturally resonant themes, provide a powerful medium for addressing the mental health challenges faced by students in China’s socioeducational context. Purpose This study aims to examine the therapeutic effects of contemporary Chinese novels on university students’ mental health, focusing on how culturally specific literary engagement alleviates psychological distress and fosters resilience. Methods This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the therapeutic effects of contemporary Chinese novels on university students. A sample of 500 undergraduates from five Chinese universities participated in structured surveys using standardized psychological scales (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD-7), while 30 participants engaged in in-depth semi-structured interviews. The research analyzed bestselling novels such as Yu Hua’s To Live and Fang Fang’s Wuhan Diary, focusing on narrative structures, emotional triggers, and cultural themes. Data collection combined quantitative measures of mental health indicators with qualitative insights into reading experiences and emotional responses. Analytical techniques included thematic coding, sentiment analysis, and structural equation modeling to identify correlations between literary engagement and psychological well-being. Results Sustained engagement with selected novels significantly reduced anxiety by 23% and improved self-reported mental health metrics by 68%. Qualitative findings highlighted enhanced emotional granularity, self-awareness, and resilience through character identification, cognitive reframing, and symbolic trauma processing. Culturally specific themes (filial piety, collective memory, historical trauma) were particularly therapeutic, with higher cultural identity scores correlating strongly with benefits (r = 0.42, p 0.01). Conclusions This study underscores the significant potential of contemporary Chinese novels as a therapeutic tool for improving mental health among university students. By bridging literary traditions, psychological insights, and educational practices, literary therapy offers a culturally grounded and accessible alternative to conventional mental health interventions. The integration of narrative immersion, emotional catharsis, and cognitive reframing helps students navigate psychological challenges while fostering resilience and self-understanding. These findings advocate for the formal inclusion of literary therapy in university mental health programs, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored approaches. Future research should explore digital adaptations and long-term impacts, further solidifying the role of literature in promoting psychological well-being.
Cui et al. (Thu,) studied this question.