Reading Fiction and Psychological Well-Being during Older Adulthood: Positive Affect, Connection and Personal Growth
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| Title: | Reading Fiction and Psychological Well-Being during Older Adulthood: Positive Affect, Connection and Personal Growth |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Nicola K. Currie (ORCID |
| Source: | Reading Research Quarterly. 2025 60(1). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Well Being, Reading Habits, Older Adults, Fiction, Emotional Response, Affective Behavior, Interpersonal Relationship, Individual Development, Reflection, Empathy, Interpersonal Communication, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| DOI: | 10.1002/rrq.605 |
| ISSN: | 0034-0553 1936-2722 |
| Abstract: | The relationship between reading and well-being is gaining increasing interest among those working in research, policy and practice, as we seek to better understand if, and how, reading books supports wellbeing. To date, the majority of research has focused on children and young people, neglecting to consider the well-being benefits that reading books may have later in life. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 15 older adults (aged 63-83) from the UK, we provide novel insights into how reading fiction supports feelings of positive affect (emotions elicited by, and influencing, reading experiences), connection (to fictional characters, settings, and authors, in addition to real-life others) and personal growth (lifelong reflection, empathy and enhanced understanding of others, and improved knowledge and communication). This article provides much needed nuanced insights into the role of fiction book reading later in life. Implications for practice and future research directions are suggested. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/n6rfv |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1458520 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | The relationship between reading and well-being is gaining increasing interest among those working in research, policy and practice, as we seek to better understand if, and how, reading books supports wellbeing. To date, the majority of research has focused on children and young people, neglecting to consider the well-being benefits that reading books may have later in life. Drawing upon in-depth interviews with 15 older adults (aged 63-83) from the UK, we provide novel insights into how reading fiction supports feelings of positive affect (emotions elicited by, and influencing, reading experiences), connection (to fictional characters, settings, and authors, in addition to real-life others) and personal growth (lifelong reflection, empathy and enhanced understanding of others, and improved knowledge and communication). This article provides much needed nuanced insights into the role of fiction book reading later in life. Implications for practice and future research directions are suggested. |
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| ISSN: | 0034-0553 1936-2722 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/rrq.605 |
