Based On Scientific Facts, Reading Fiction Stories Books Is Beneficial To Increase Empathy

Illustration of the benefits of reading fiction books increases empathy based on scientific facts (Freepic/fxquadro)

YOGYAKARTA - Reading fiction is not only about enjoying the story, but also provides real benefits for mental and social health. Research by Bal & Veltkamp (2013) shows that reading fiction storybooks can increase empathy, especially if readers are really dissolved in the story or have emotional transport, reported by the PubMed Center, Monday, August 25. This makes it easier for readers to understand and feel the feelings of others.

The concept of emotional transport means that readers get carried away with emotions into the story world. And R. Johnson in his research found that the stronger a person is carried away by the storyline, the higher the level of affective empathy, it can even encourage prosocial behavior such as helping others. That is, emotional engagement when reading makes the relationship between humans more meaningful.

Keith Oatley, a cognitive psychologist, describes fiction as a flight simulator' for social life. Through stories, readers practice dealing with complex social situations without real risks. In this way, reading fiction is not only entertaining, but also training social skills such as understanding other people's feelings, motivations, and perspectives.

Another study, Stansfield & Bance (2014) found that fictional exposure is related to cognitive empathy, namely the ability to understand other people's thoughts. However, the experience of transportation actually increases affective empathy, namely the ability to feel other people's emotions. The combination of the two helps a person become more sensitive to the social needs of the surrounding community.

Reading fiction regularly can help reduce stress, increase social sensitivity, and strengthen relationships with others. According to Transportation theory in narrative psychology, emotional engagement with story characters results in a real empathic response to readers. Thus, fiction can be a simple but effective way to support mental health.

Reading fiction is more than just entertainment because it can serve as a window for better understanding humans. From increasing empathy to strengthening social relationships, the benefits are proven through various scientific studies. So, if you want to train empathy while maintaining mental health, maybe it's time to spend time reading your favorite novel orcerpen.