Fialho's project argues that the essence of literature (and the arts) lies in its power to impart knowledge about ourselves and other human beings by allowing us to connect more deeply and conscientiously with our emotions, and, thus improve our social functioning. It combines research and implementations of scientific findings as it holds that successful implementation depends on better understanding how the process of experiencing literary narratives unfolds; in particular, how a combination of text, reader, and context factors (e.g., instructional method, the type of post-processing or reflection on the reading) might result in deeper understandings of who we are in relation to other fellow human beings.
Specific aims are three-fold:
Sub-Question 1: Explanatory Model: What is the role of (a) the text and of (b) individual differences in explaining the effects of literary narrative fiction on deepened perceptions of self and others?
Sub-Question 2: Conditions for Implementation: What types of approach (instructions, tools, educational method) influence narrative fiction reading processes?
Sub-Question 3: Implementation: How can the results obtained inform the design of reading training programs (e.g. educational and/or management training methods)?
- Olivia Da Costa Fialho is Postdoctoral Fellow in Literature
- Sunniva Brate is Project Assistant