How reading helps to boost our empathy
There’s nothing better than settling down with a good book
![How reading helps to boost our empathy](https://dev.psychologies.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/09/iStock_81611967_WEB.jpg?w=1018)
As well as helping us to relax, researchers have found that reading helps to boost our empathy.
By delving into the lives of the characters on a page, our compassion is heightened – growing our appreciation of others’ emotions, intentions and experiences off the page.
While non-fiction books didn’t have the same effect, romances and thrillers were found to spur the most reflection in both adults and children.
Photograph: iStock