Psychologist Raymond Mar of York University in Canada completed a study that concluded that reading about social interaction and engaging in social interaction helped individuals better understand the feelings of others (Annie Murphy Paul, New York Times Sunday Review, 3/17/12). In additional studies, Dr. Mar, together with Dr. Keith Oakley, professor emeritus, University of Toronto, and others, found that those who “frequently read fiction seem to be better able to understand other people, empathize with them, and see the world from their perspective.”
It’s known that many students prefer to use their digital devices for reading. With this in mind, promoting the use of devices such as iPads and Kindles for reading fiction may encourage those who won’t pick up a traditional book to get back on the path to reading. Not only will this practice in reading help them in their school work and standardized test-taking skills, it will, as the Canadian studies conclude, help them gain a better understanding of others and their feelings. Perhaps, a step forward in our drive to stop student bullying might be to require additional required reading of fiction and to spend more time turning students on to the joys of reading novels during their leisure time.