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Does Reading Fiction Make you a Better Person?
The Washington Post
Format: Magazine Article
Publication Date: 2016/07/22/
Sources ID: 38791
Collection: Theory of Mind
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Research findings have illustrated that fictional literature may support the development of empathy and ToM through the process of placing oneself into the position of the character, thus allowing one to better understand that person, and therefore cooperate with them. Additional findings confirm the significance of imagining scenes whilst reading as a way to increase prosocial behavior, supported by MRI images illustrating activated brain areas associated with ‘mentalizing’ when individuals process stories.