Reading a good book at the beach, on a Sunday morning in bed, and in the bath with candles, will never not be one of life’s most luxurious pleasures.
Even our favourite celebrities seem to agree. Emma Watson hides books on the London Underground and runs her own feminist book club, Lena Dunham, Emma Roberts, Sarah Jessica Parker and Sarah Michelle Gellar are all well known for their public and frequent book recommendations, and everyone from Karlie Kloss to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have proven that a book selfie is the best kind.
Past studies have already found that reading can help to reduce stress and that growing up around books means you tend to earn more as an adult. And, to make that positive list a little longer, it’s now it’s been found that those who read are nicer.
A recent study by Kingston University concludes that people who read works of fiction tend to be kinder and more empathetic towards others.
“Exposure to fiction relates to a range of empathetic abilities,” said researchers at the British Psychological Society conference last week.
“Engaging with fictional prose and comedy, in particular, could be key to enhancing people’s empathetic abilities,” they revealed.
The study involved 123 participants, who were questioned over their preference for books, plays and TV shows, and tested on their interpersonal skills, The Telegraph reports.
Results found that fans of fiction fans generally showed more positive social behaviour and those who read drama and romantic novels showed high levels of empathy.
Fans of experimental books were most able to see things from alternative perspectives, and readers who favoured comedy were best at relating to others.
Well, we certainly know what we’re doing this weekend.
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