Self-Selection vs Causation: The Role of Reading Fiction in Understanding People's Minds

Reading fiction has both psychological benefits and the self-selection of readers plays a big role in understanding people's minds. Experimental evidence on the effects of reading fiction is mixed, indicating that just reading might not be enough. However, lifetime or long-term reading, which is usually intrinsically motivated, may have more effects. Intrinsically motivated readers are more likely to engage in deep thinking, theorizing, and connecting with characters, which contributes to a better understanding of people's minds.