Is Reading Fiction Really Better For Empathy Than Nonfiction Studies Say

In an age where information is consumed in bullet points and 280-character summaries, a quiet but powerful debate simmers: does reading fiction actually make us more empathetic than reading nonfiction? Cognitive scientists, psychologists, and literary scholars have spent over two decades investigating this question. The results are not only compelling—they suggest that immersing ourselves in stories may be one of the most effective ways to expand our emotional understanding of others.

Fiction doesn’t just entertain; it transports. When we read a novel, we don’t merely observe characters—we inhabit their minds, feel their anxieties, and experience their moral dilemmas. This psychological phenomenon, known as “narrative transportation,” appears to recalibrate how we perceive people in the real world. But what do the studies actually say? And can a biography or a science book produce the same effect?

The Science Behind Fiction and Empathy

Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others—is not a fixed trait. It’s a skill shaped by experience, environment, and even the books we choose to read. Research has consistently shown that frequent readers of literary fiction score higher on tests measuring social perception and emotional intelligence.

A landmark 2013 study published in Science by psychologists David Comer Kidd and Emanuele Castano found that participants who read short excerpts from literary fiction performed significantly better on the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes” test—a widely used assessment of theory of mind—than those who read nonfiction, popular fiction, or nothing at all. Literary fiction, the researchers argued, demands more cognitive engagement. Its characters are complex, motivations are ambiguous, and emotional cues are subtle. Readers must constantly infer intentions, interpret subtext, and adjust their assumptions—skills directly transferable to real-life social interactions.

“Fiction is the ultimate simulator of human experience. It allows us to practice empathy in a risk-free environment.” — Keith Oatley, Cognitive Psychologist and Novelist

This aligns with the concept of “mentalizing”—the brain’s capacity to attribute mental states to oneself and others. Neuroimaging studies show that when people read vivid descriptions of emotions or social conflicts, the same regions of the brain activate as during actual interpersonal experiences. In essence, fiction provides a kind of emotional rehearsal space.

Fiction vs. Nonfiction: A Comparative Analysis

While nonfiction excels at delivering facts, arguments, and historical context, its impact on empathy tends to be more indirect. A well-written biography might inspire compassion for a historical figure, and a memoir can deepen understanding of trauma or resilience. But the structural differences between fiction and nonfiction shape how we process them.

Nonfiction often prioritizes objectivity, clarity, and logical progression. Readers approach it with a mindset of analysis, evaluation, and retention. In contrast, fiction invites emotional immersion. There’s no need to verify claims or critique methodology—instead, readers surrender to uncertainty, ambiguity, and subjective experience.

This distinction matters. Empathy isn’t cultivated through knowledge alone; it grows through emotional identification. You can know everything about poverty from a sociology textbook, but it’s a novel like A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry that makes you feel the weight of systemic injustice in your chest.

Aspect	Fiction	Nonfiction
Primary Goal	Emotional engagement, narrative exploration	Information delivery, argumentation
Cognitive Demand	High (inference, perspective-taking)	Moderate to high (analysis, critical thinking)
Empathy Activation	Direct (through character immersion)	Indirect (through case studies or personal accounts)
Perspective Diversity	Often multiple, internal viewpoints	Limited to author’s lens or cited sources
Reader Engagement Style	Immersive, affective	Analytical, evaluative

The table highlights a key insight: while both genres can foster understanding, fiction’s structure inherently promotes emotional simulation in a way most nonfiction does not.

When Nonfiction Can Build Empathy Too

It would be inaccurate to claim that nonfiction lacks empathetic potential. Certain forms—particularly memoirs, personal essays, and narrative journalism—blur the line between fact and feeling. Books like Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates or When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi deliver profound emotional resonance grounded in real experience.

These works succeed because they adopt storytelling techniques typically associated with fiction: vivid scene-setting, intimate point-of-view, and emotional pacing. They don’t just tell readers what happened—they make them feel it. In such cases, the genre label matters less than the narrative craft.

However, even these powerful examples differ from fiction in one crucial way: they lack the imaginative leap. When reading fiction, we accept that the characters aren’t real, yet we still invest emotionally. That suspension of disbelief strengthens our capacity to engage with perspectives outside our own—even imaginary ones—making us more flexible in interpreting real-world human behavior.

Tip: To maximize empathy development, pair nonfiction learning with fictional narratives on similar themes. Read a history of immigration alongside a novel like Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Real Impact: A Classroom Case Study

In a high school in Toronto, a teacher redesigned her English curriculum to alternate between nonfiction texts on social justice and novels exploring similar issues through personal stories. One unit paired Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy (nonfiction) with The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (fiction).

Students reported that while Stevenson’s work gave them data and legal context, Thomas’s novel made them care in a visceral way. “I understood the statistics before,” one student said, “but after reading Starr’s story, I couldn’t stop thinking about how scared she was every time the police showed up.”

Over the semester, the teacher observed measurable changes in classroom discussions. Students were more willing to consider opposing viewpoints, used more nuanced language when discussing race and justice, and demonstrated greater patience during disagreements. While correlation isn’t causation, the shift coincided with increased narrative reading, suggesting fiction played a catalytic role in deepening empathetic discourse.

How to Use Reading to Cultivate Empathy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building empathy through reading isn’t automatic—it requires intentionality. Passive consumption won’t yield the same results as active, reflective engagement. Follow this five-step approach to maximize the emotional benefits of your reading habits.

1. Choose character-driven fiction. Prioritize novels where internal conflict, moral complexity, and relationships take center stage. Look for authors like Kazuo Ishiguro, Toni Morrison, or Sally Rooney.
2. Diversify perspectives. Read stories from cultures, genders, and backgrounds different from your own. Seek out global literature and translated works.
3. Pause and reflect. After key scenes, ask yourself: How would I feel in this situation? What assumptions am I making about this character?
4. Discuss with others. Join a book club or talk with friends about character motivations and emotional arcs. Dialogue deepens understanding.
5. Connect to real life. After finishing a book, consider how its themes relate to current events or personal experiences. Write a short reflection to solidify insights.

Expert Insights on Narrative and Emotional Growth

Dr. Raymond Mar, a psychologist at York University who has extensively studied the relationship between fiction and social cognition, explains: “When we read fiction, we’re not just processing words—we’re simulating social worlds. The brain treats these simulations almost as if they were real experiences.”

“The more deeply you enter a fictional mind, the more your own mind becomes attuned to the subtleties of human emotion.” — Dr. Lisa Zunshine, Author of *Why We Read Fiction*

Zunshine’s research into “theory of mind” in literature shows that readers of complex narratives develop a heightened sensitivity to deception, irony, and layered intentions—skills essential for navigating nuanced social environments.

Common Misconceptions About Fiction and Empathy

Despite growing evidence, several myths persist:

• Myth: All fiction builds empathy equally.
  Reality: Formulaic genre fiction (e.g., predictable romance or action thrillers) tends to have less impact than literary or character-focused works.
• Myth: Nonfiction readers are less empathetic.
  Reality: Empathy depends on how the material is engaged with, not just the genre. A deeply reflective reader of philosophy or history can develop strong emotional insight.
• Myth: The effects are immediate and permanent.
  Reality: Like any skill, empathy requires sustained practice. Occasional reading offers temporary benefits, but consistent engagement yields lasting change.

FAQ

Can watching movies or TV shows build empathy like reading fiction?

Yes, narrative media can foster empathy, but reading has unique advantages. Text-based stories require imagination and internal visualization, which increases cognitive and emotional investment. Watching a performance, while impactful, involves less mental simulation.

Does children’s fiction help develop empathy too?

Absolutely. Studies show that children who are read stories with emotional content—especially those highlighting feelings, consequences, and diverse perspectives—demonstrate higher empathy levels. Books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio are specifically designed to cultivate compassion.

Is there a minimum amount of fiction needed to see empathy gains?

There’s no set threshold, but research suggests regular engagement matters more than volume. Even 20–30 minutes of immersive reading several times a week can contribute to long-term social-emotional development.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters Beyond the Page

In a world increasingly divided by ideology, misinformation, and digital isolation, empathy is not a soft skill—it’s a survival tool. The ability to understand someone else’s pain, fears, and hopes is foundational to cooperation, conflict resolution, and inclusive leadership.

Fiction offers a low-cost, accessible, and profoundly effective way to exercise that ability. It doesn’t replace real-world interaction, but it prepares us for it. Just as athletes visualize performance, readers simulate humanity. And when we return to reality, we bring that practiced understanding with us.

The studies are clear: reading fiction doesn’t just expose us to different lives—it rewires our brains to care more deeply, listen more attentively, and respond more wisely. Nonfiction informs the mind. Fiction transforms the heart.

💬 What’s a novel that changed how you see people? Share your story in the comments and inspire others to pick up a book that challenges their perspective.