Well, well, well. At last (or at least, in 2013). Some smart folks at the University of Gothenburg ran a little study about women on sick leave reading fiction, according to Science Daily.
The study shows that the reading relates to an outer, concrete reality and to an inner, more subjectively perceived experience. At a concrete level, the reading helped the women regain their capacity and structure in everyday life. The reading also contributed to a positive self-image and self-understanding via the subjective experience, as well as provided a private space for recovery.
It’s called bibliotherapy, y’all. The New Yorker ran an interesting long read about it last summer (“Can Reading Make You Happier?”). Me, I’m emphatically in the yes column, but in case you’re on the fence, here are some more resources about bibliotherapy from the American Library Association.
Enjoy your weekend!
Tweet: What is bibliotheraphy? I’ve been practicing it for years.
Tweet: Here’s your reading prescription—now get well soon!
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