Associations between fiction media and genre engagement, and empathic traits

Studies have supported the view that fiction can enhance empathic abilities. How far associations hold across media and genres remains unclear. This study took a multidimensional approach to fiction and empathic traits. It aimed to replicate findings that fiction-exposure correlates with empathic understanding (e.g., Mar et al., 2006), and examine relationships between media and genre, and empathic traits. Participants completed a multidimensional measure of fiction media-exposure and answered questions about fiction-engagement and empathic traits. Controlling for demographic variables, fiction-exposure positively predicted tendencies to become absorbed in narratives and behave altruistically. Formats that promote active engagement may particularly benefit empathic development.