To ask if reading motivational/self-help books (as opposed to other genres) really make people happier?

[WaterBird]

Not looking for advice, just curious about others' opinions.
At the moment my favourite genre is chic lit. A couple of days ago, I went to a really wonderful spiritual prayer group for the first time, and several people mentioned that in their spare time when reading, they prefer books about self-help and growth.
I wonder if reading these books actually makes them happier. Any experiences?

No they dont, but they make the authors bank balance happy

I've read self helps books which have improved my mental health, which in turn has made me happier.

So I can imagine some people feeling that way.

I read one called how to do everything and be happy by peter jones. Another mner recommended it and Ive been recommending it since. It definitely made me happier.

I think people get stuck in a rut. Self help books can help change your perspective or wake you up a bit if you've got stuck. I find it hard to motivate myself to read them though.

I don't think every self help book helps every person. If that's all you read, they can't all help you, but then there is probably some chic lit that you don't enjoy as much as others.

Self help books have improved my wellbeing, yes.

Some have nuggets of wisdom in them, but talking to a counsellor is better if you are unhappy and can't work things out on your own. Chick lit makes people happy because it's fantasy, and always has a happy ending, and is escapist. It depends if you are seriously seeking help or just want suggestions for good books. If the latter, try them out and if you don't enjoy them as much as your chick lit, go back to the romances.

I read (and reread) Women Who Run With Wolves by Dr. C.Pinkola Estes and it has really helped me come to terms with some changes I went through
In general though, I dont do self help

I agree that they can help you to get out of a rut and think in slightly different ways. They're useful even if I only take away a few nuggets from them. I read a number of other genres too though.

Absolutely yes. I stopped reading books that made me anxious or were dark, morbid or depressing.

I read happy books and loads of self help books. It's mad e a huge difference to my life.

I've read a couple that have really stuck with me
Why men love bitches (that may not be the exact title!)
The secret
SUMO

Thank you all for your opinions. I'll check some of these out!

Yes ..all the classics helped me enormously when i was having a major life crisis in my twenties . It was heartening to read of other people's struggles and successes and to be given hope ....sometime later when I had things sorted I felt a bit embarrasssed that I'd used them so blindly in a way but actually they contained many truths that I used in therapeutic work years later and I'm grateful to them.

I think they are good if you're in the mindset to change and just need some inspiration.

Two that I enjoyed
Good for changing careers
www.amazon.com/What-Should-Do-My-Life-ebook/dp/B000FBFMKC

Kick up the backside to get out of a rut - not rocket science but was an easy read at just the right time for me
www.amazon.com/How-Changed-Life-Year-Happiness/dp/1499251378

I've read several book on the subject of the Law of Attraction, they are all about positivity and gratitude. The Secret is a good introduction and has been made into a film (available on Netflix).