Reading fiction can strengthen empathy, language skills and cognitive health, according to psychologists and authors who say stories help readers understand different perspectives while supporting memory, vocabulary and social connection, per abc.net.au.
Research shows reading is associated with a range of benefits, including improved cognition, mental wellbeing and brain health. Studies have linked regular reading to a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline in adults, while children and adolescents may experience gains in attention, memory, executive function, academic performance and mental health.
Melanie Saward, a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka author, academic and publisher, said fiction provides a safe way for readers to examine their own assumptions and biases. She described storytelling as a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth.
According to Lili Yu, a senior lecturer in psychological sciences at Macquarie University, reading is a relatively recent human invention that relies on existing cognitive systems. The brain first processes the visual form of words, links them to sounds and then connects them to meaning through a process known as lexical processing.
Reading sentences engages multiple systems simultaneously, including memory, language and visual processing. Dr Yu said regular reading can strengthen memory, expand vocabulary and improve understanding of subtle differences in language.
Raymond Mar, a psychology professor at York University in Toronto, said narrative fiction offers particular advantages. Research suggests fiction is a stronger predictor of verbal ability than non-fiction, with language skills closely linked to educational and career outcomes.
Professor Mar said fiction also helps develop empathy and perspective-taking. Brain imaging studies indicate that regions activated while reading narrative fiction overlap with those used to understand other people’s thoughts and feelings.
The relationship appears to be reciprocal, with stronger empathy also making it easier to understand stories. Books can provide readers with social knowledge and emotional insight, helping them reflect on personal experiences and navigate complex situations.
Reading can also foster social connections, particularly through activities such as book clubs, where readers discuss differing interpretations and viewpoints.
The benefits are not limited to printed books. Professor Mar said audiobooks can deliver similar outcomes, arguing that the content and exposure to other people’s experiences matter more than the format.
Despite the documented benefits, Australians are reading less than in previous years, while literacy levels across many OECD countries have stagnated or declined.
Experts interviewed by ABC’s *All In The Mind* encouraged readers to explore books from perspectives different from their own, arguing that diverse stories can broaden understanding, challenge assumptions and expand world views.
•Featured image: Melanie Saward’s novels include Burn (2023) and Love Unleashed (2024). (Supplied: Jill Kerswill Photography)