The Importance of Reading on Emotional Dysregulation

By Varsha Seshadri

Introduction

While reading has become associated with negative feelings and school assignments, reading is so much more than something enforced by schools- it’s a potential hobby and passion for many. And with a wide selection of books, there is truly something that people with all tastes will enjoy.

General Benefits of Reading

The benefits of reading span beyond gaining knowledge of the world through non-fiction; in fact, fiction has several benefits for the mind, such as:

• Exercise of the brain

• Free Entertainment

• Improves Concentration/ Ability to Focus

• Improves Stress

• Teaches Empathy

Mental Health Benefits of Reading

More than in general, reading has insurmountable effects on mental health, such as:

• Relief from Stress

• Narrative Absorption (Being Immersed in a Story)

• Provides an escape from day-to-day life

• Helps us make sense of our world

• Reduction in depression symptoms even years after reading a good book

  • One study discovered a 20% lower mortality rate in older adults who read regularly

    
    

Bibliotherapy

Often, books are used as a tool for accessible therapy. This involves deep reading,

collaboration, and reflection with others. Therapists may or may not be involved. Like many other therapies, each patient who utilizes bibliotherapy has a different experience with it.

Bibliotherapy, while there is still more research to be done with it, shows promising signs of alleviating other physical-related mental health issues.

References

Hagan, E. (Ed.). (2022, March 16). The mental health benefits of reading. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-effect/202203/the-mental-health-benefits-reading

Markham Public Library. (n.d.). Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/blogs/post/top-10-benefits-of-reading-for-all-ages/