In a world saturated with wellness advice, a panel of distinguished psychologists, neuroscientists, and behavioural experts have curated a list of self-help books that deliver genuine, research-backed results. From navigating modern relationships to building resilience, these titles offer practical pathways to a better life.
Building Stronger Relationships and Communication
Clinical psychologist Philippa Perry champions the upcoming book Secure by psychiatrist Amir Levine, due for publication in April. Grounded in attachment theory and neuroscience, it provides tools to foster security not just in romance, but in all interpersonal connections. Perry emphasises that the work requires active practice, not passive reading. For those eager to start, she recommends Levine's earlier work, Attached, co-authored with Rachel Heller.
For mastering conversation, neuroscientist Helen Critchlow of Cambridge University praises Rapport by Emily and Laurence Alison. Drawing from forensic psychology, the book uses a framework of four personality types to help readers understand others and collaborate more effectively, a crucial skill in an increasingly polarised world.
Psychoanalyst Orna Guralnik, known from the series Couples Therapy, suggests Can Love Last? by the late Stephen Mitchell. This book delves into the unconscious tensions between our need for safety and adventure in long-term partnerships, offering profound insight rather than simplistic tips.
Cultivating Personal Happiness and Resilience
To combat people-pleasing, consultant psychiatrist Dr Alex Curmi recommends The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi. Based on Alfred Adler's theories, it introduces the liberating concept of 'separation of tasks'—focusing only on responsibilities that are truly your own.
For a happier outlook, behavioural science professor Paul Dolan from the London School of Economics endorses Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks. The title references the average human lifespan, and the book advocates focusing on small, immediate improvements rather than obsessing over grand, future plans.
Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman-Barrett highlights The End of Trauma by George Bonanno. Challenging outdated beliefs, Bonanno's decades of research show that trauma is a personal experience, not an inevitable outcome of adverse events. He champions psychological flexibility—varying coping strategies—as a key to resilience.
Addressing Modern Challenges: From Stress to Parenting
To handle stress and addiction, Stanford professor Robert Sapolsky recommends colleague Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation. It argues that our cultural avoidance of all pain hypersensitises us to craving, making us more susceptible to addictive behaviours.
Clinical psychologist Linda Blair advises against casually labelling narcissism. Instead, for fostering healthier perspectives, she suggests The Art of Happiness, a dialogue between psychiatrist Howard Cutler and the Dalai Lama, which promotes viewing everyone—including oneself—as equally important.
For parents seeking sensible guidance, economist Emily Oster recommends the classic 1-2-3-Magic by Thomas Phelan. She praises its no-nonsense, systematic approach to child behaviour, which creates space for more family fun.
To understand neurodiversity, psychology professor Almuth McDowall of Birkbeck College, London, recommends Grace Liu's Approaching Autistic Adulthood. Liu offers an authentic, intersectional perspective that benefits both autistic individuals and those who interact with them.
Finally, writer Oliver Burkeman himself finds ancient wisdom in How to Focus, a modern translation of works by fourth-century monk John Cassian. It advises accepting distraction as human nature and prioritising engaging tasks over self-punishment.
This expert-curated list moves beyond fleeting trends, offering readers a robust toolkit for meaningful, evidence-based personal development.
