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What happens to you when you read?
Ever wondered about the psychology of literature or stories? Or how a certain narrative might change our attitude or perspective?
This free course, What happens to you when you read? explores our relationship with books and the ways in which engaging with fiction in particular can change readers.
Research shows that as well as providing us with a form of entertainment, the activity of reading can bring benefits to our wellbeing in challenging times. People have experienced and explored these benefits throughout history.
A good story can entertain us, develop our creativity and imagination, and transport us to different fictional worlds, but it can change us psychologically as well.
As you work your way through this course, you will have the chance to participate in both reading and writing activities and experience for yourself what happens to you when you read.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- understand some of the ways in which reading books can potentially transform you
- understand more about the psychological processes happening when you read
- demonstrate familiarity with the positive impacts of reading on mental wellbeing in some distressing times in history.
First Published: 20/07/2021
Updated: 20/07/2021
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Personally, there are times when a lot is going on in my life, and reading has become my refuge — a way to momentarily step away from reality and keep myself grounded. While it may seem impractical to rely on reading as a solution to real-life problems, I find it comforting and mentally refreshing. It helps me process my thoughts and see things from a clearer perspective after reading.
What I especially appreciated about this course is how it discussed the psychological benefits of reading. I strongly agree that reading enhances a person’s empathy toward others. Through stories, readers are able to understand and feel what others experience — as if stepping into the shoes of the characters they read about. Developing empathy is, I believe, an essential part of showing compassion, since it encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect — just as we wish to be treated ourselves.
I also enjoyed the discussions and the well-researched information presented throughout the course. The use of studies and evidence to explain how reading affects people made the lessons even more interesting and credible. Overall, this course deepened my appreciation for reading and reminded me of its lasting impact on the mind and heart.