Another report on the same study said this:

"...we not only feel like the characters we read about but, psychologically speaking, become part of their world and derive emotional benefits from the experience."

Good to hear, Sarah! I just came across more on re...

2011-11-27T02:20:57.141-08:00

Good to hear, Sarah! I just came across more on reading fiction. The news just keeps getting better. The following is an excerpt from this article:

According to a new study, you are what you read — in your head at least. When we read we don't just identify with the characters, we psychologically become part of their world and take away emotional benefits.

Psychologists at the University at Buffalo studied the phenomenon by having 140 subjects read excerpts from the Harry Potter or Twilight books and answer a questionnaire. They found that when absorbing a story, we can psychologically become a member of the characters' social group, and the process provokes feelings of satisfaction similar to what we'd experience after a making a real connection with another person.

Shira Gabriel, an associate professor of psychology at UB, explains:

"Social connection is a strong, human need, and anytime we feel connected to others, we feel good in general, and feel good about our lives. Our study results demonstrate that the assimilation of a narrative allows us to feel close to others in the comfort of our own space and at our own convenience ... In our subjects, this led to a reported increase in life satisfaction and positive mood, which are two primary outcomes of belonging."

You have just–made-my-day!!! I love fiction and h...

2011-11-25T11:04:55.498-08:00

You have just–made-my-day!!!

I love fiction and have started to get back into reading on a regular basis. However, I had an internal struggle going about whether I should be reading more "beneficial" a.k.a. non-fiction, books. Thanks to your blog, I feel liberated!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some reading to do...

Comments on MoodRaiser.com: Reading Fiction Improves Relationships (and Improv...

Another report on the same study said this:"...we not only feel like the characters we read about but, psychologically speaking, become part of their world and derive emotional benefits from the experience."

Good to hear, Sarah! I just came across more on re...

You have just–made-my-day!!! I love fiction and h...

Another report on the same study said this:

"...we not only feel like the characters we read about but, psychologically speaking, become part of their world and derive emotional benefits from the experience."