Reading Fiction Increases Empathy

[zeldas_lullaby]

I kinda sensed that, but I didn't want to say anything.

[rssllue]

[zeldas_lullaby]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA. Hey, I've been there, and on this forum too. Too many times to count, I'm pretty sure.

[rssllue]

It happens.

[kayla1080]

Haha, yeah, I don't know how people get through life without at least one bookshelf!

[rssllue]

Me neither! Crazy!

[ALynnPowers]

Is this someone's opinion or was there actually a study about this? I was actually kind of interested because I am already highly empathic to the point that it's troublesome.

[rssllue]

There probably is some study somewhere about it.

[kayla1080]

There was a study about this!

Empathy Booster #1: Indulge in Fiction

A 2013 study out of The Netherlands revealed some fascinating data about people who let their minds wander around the fictional worlds of written stories: they tend to be more empathetic. It isn’t just that people who are already more empathetic are drawn to reading fiction, either. Researchers found that the act of engaging in fictional narratives actually increases empathy levels. This is because of something called narrative transportation theory. Basically, if a person becomes lost in a story, that person will experience a change in attitudes, ideas, and behaviors that reflect perspective gained from the story. Our imagination is like a muscle—the more we work it, the stronger it will become. If we can imagine ourselves in the position of another person, we can increase empathy.

So grab that new Murakami novel and get lost in it! Becoming absorbed in the fiction is essential: the researchers believe that empathy levels will only change when individuals find themselves emotionally transported into the world of the story.

This is where it was pulled from: http://my.happify.com/hd/5-ways-to-cult ... e-empathy/

[rssllue]

Very cool. Thanks for verifying the study!

[zeldas_lullaby]

Reading can increase empathy, or it can increase feelings of moral superiority. I think that reading will bring out whatever personality traits you gravitate toward otherwise. An empathic person will use reading to learn about other people's lives, and to enlighten themselves so that they will be more aware and sensitive to others. An egotistical person will read in order to puff himself up.

So I think what it comes down to is that reading, like anything, develops within you what's already there, to some extent.

[rssllue]

Interesting observation. Nice.

[kayla1080]

zeldas_lullaby- I like that!

[zeldas_lullaby]

Hey, thanks to both of you! I appreciate it!

[rssllue]