"Why Fiction is Better than Reality": The Influence of Reading Fiction Narrative on Empathy ["Why Fiction is Better than Reality": Pengaruh Membaca Fiction Narrative terhadap Empati"]

Irwanto, Katherine Amadea and Aditomo, Anindito and Natalya, Lina (2020) "Why Fiction is Better than Reality": The Influence of Reading Fiction Narrative on Empathy ["Why Fiction is Better than Reality": Pengaruh Membaca Fiction Narrative terhadap Empati"]. ANIMA Indonesian Psychological Journal, 35 (2). pp. 222-235. ISSN 2620-5963

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Abstract

The fictional narrative is a form of literature often found in everyday life, such as in novels or short stories, comic strips in newspapers, and in poetry. Reading fictional literature has a positive effect, however previous research had not as yet shown any conclusive evidence that such reading increases empathy. This research was aimed at testing the influence of reading fictional narratives on empathy, mediated by narrative engagement. The method used in the research was an experimental one, with a pre-test/post-test control group design. 194 undergraduate students were actively involved as the research participants. The results of the analysis of data, using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and a causal step approach indicated that reading a fictional narrative may significantly increase the empathy of the reader, and that the relationship of these two variables were partially mediated by narrative engagement. This research provided supportive data to the idea that fictional narratives may raise levels of empathy and that that influence is mediated by the variable of narrative engagement. The public is enjoined to read fictional narratives, such as novels, comics, short stories and poetry of a variety of genres, to experience an increase in empathy.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	fiction al narrative, empathy, narrative engagement, experiment
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Faculty of Psychology > Department of Psychology
Depositing User:	Anindito Aditomo 205003
Date Deposited:	11 Apr 2023 14:53
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2023 07:54
URI:	http://repository.ubaya.ac.id/id/eprint/43979

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