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Looking for the latest statistics and facts on the topic of reading and mental health?
My updated guide for 2024 has everything you need, and more.
Feel free to use the jump links below to go to the section that interests you the most.
You can also use this jump link to quickly jump to the KEY STATS section.
Also, all the references and resources I used in crafting my guide are listed at the bottom of the page.
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Jump here:Â Key Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year| Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
Table of Contents
Key Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year
Key Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024
- Regular readers are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction compared to non-readers. (Source)
- Reading for just 6 minutes per day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. (Source)
- People who read books for 30 minutes a day live an average of 23 months longer than non-readers. (Source)
- 42% of adults who read daily report lower levels of stress compared to those who read less frequently. (Source)
- Reading fiction has been shown to increase empathy by up to 55% in study participants. (Source)
- Children who read for pleasure are 3 times more likely to have higher mental wellbeing scores. (Source)
- 76% of people who read regularly report feeling more relaxed and calm. (Source)
- Reading can slow cognitive decline in older adults by up to 32%. (Source)
- People who read for more than 3.5 hours per week are 23% less likely to report feelings of depression. (Source)
- 88% of adults who read to relieve stress say it is an effective method. (Source)
- Reading has been shown to improve sleep quality in 64% of regular readers. (Source)
- Students who read for pleasure are 10% more likely to report better mental health than those who don’t. (Source)
- 55% of people who read regularly report improved focus and concentration in daily life. (Source)
- Reading can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia by up to 30%. (Source)
- 71% of people who participate in book clubs report feeling more socially connected and less isolated. (Source)
Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for This Year (Detailed Info)
How Does Regular Reading Affect Life Satisfaction?
Studies show that regular readers are 20% more likely to report greater overall life satisfaction compared to non-readers.
What Effect Does Reading Have on a Person’s Stress Levels?
Reading has a big effect on a person’s stress levels.
Reading for just 6 minutes per day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. Furthermore, 42% of adults who read daily report lower levels of stress compared to those who read less frequently.
Finally, 76% of people who read regularly report feeling more relaxed and calm throughout the day than the people who don’t read for pleasure.
What Impact Does Daily Reading Have on Longevity?
People who read books for 30 minutes a day live an average of 23 months longer than non-readers. Science can’t explain this for now you should definitively pick up a book if you want to live longer.
What Effect Does Reading Fiction Have on Empathy and Social Intelligence?
A recent study (which I include in the reference section of this article) showed that reading fiction increases empathy and social intelligence by up to 55%.
Empathy and social intelligence are crucial for human beings who want and need to be a healthy part of the society.
For example, children need to be taught empathy early on so they grow up to be mentally healthy adults. One recent study (included in the footer section of the page) showed that children who read for pleasure are 3 times more likely to have higher mental wellbeing scores.
But it goes further than that. Reading can be part of social bonding. 71% of people (this time we’re talking about adults) who actively participate in book clubs report feeling more socially connected with others and less isolated.
How Does Reading Impact Cognitive Decline in Older Adults?
Reading can slow cognitive decline in older adults by up to 32%. In fact, it’s been shown that reading can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate dementia by up to 30%.
How Does Extensive Reading Affect the Likelihood of Experiencing Depression?
People who read for more than 3.5 hours per week are 23% less likely to report feelings of depression. People who read decent amount of time have less time to feel depressed.
Plus reading, especially reading positive books, diverts the reader’s attention from the negative stuff in their lives.
How Effective is Reading as a Stress Relief Method?
88% of adults who read to relieve stress say it is an effective method. Reading for stress relief might be placebo in this people, but it still works.
Reading has also been shown to improve sleep quality in 64% of regular readers. And having a good night’s sleep is crucial for battling chronic stress.
How Does Reading for Pleasure Affect Students’ Mental Health?
A recent study (I link to it in the footer section of this page) done on college campuses across United States showed that students who read for pleasure are 10% more likely to report better mental health than those who don’t.
What Percentage of Regular Readers Report Improved Focus and Concentration?
55% of people who read regularly report improved focus and concentration in daily life.
Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024 (FAQ)
What are the Mental Benefits of Reading? How and Why?
Reading has many health benefits.
Here are some of them right below.
- Stress reduction. Reading reduces stress and anxiety. In one study, reading for six minutes reduced stress by 68%, which was better than going for a walk or listening to music.
- Improved memory. Reading improves memory and cognitive function. It also slows down memory loss and reduces the rate of mental decline.
- Increased empathy. Reading helps you understand others’ mental states and improve your empathy.
- Mental flexibility and analytical thinking. Reading increases mental flexibility, which can help you adapt to new situations and seek new solutions.
- Reduced feelings of isolation. Reading alleviates symptoms of depression, such as feelings of isolation and estrangement.
- Improved coping strategy. Reading can be a more adaptive coping strategy than other hobbies.
- Benefits for children. Reading benefits children with their development, learning, socialization, and imagination.
- Benefits for older adults. Reading helps older adults fare better cognitively and potentially lower the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Does Reading Books Help While Being in Hospital?
Yes, reading books is helpful while in the hospital as it can reduce stress, provide a distraction from pain and discomfort and offer a sense of normalcy amidst all the chaos. Reading books in hospitals, especially before surgery helps with mood regulation, making the hospital stay more manageable and enjoyable.
Book reading during hospital stays is especially valuable for children and young adults who often find the experience frightening. It’s a form of mental escape.
Does Reading the Bible Help With Mental Health?
Yes, reading the Bible helps with mental health. People who read the Bible at least four times a week are significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors like excessive drinking and viewing pornography.
They’re also more more likely to share their faith with others and experience deeper spiritual growth. essentially demonstrating a stronger connection to their faith.
A recent study also showed that regular Bible reading is helps reduce symptoms of depression and PTSD.
Does Reading Comprehension Has any Effect on Mental Health?
Yes, reading comprehension affects mental health positively or negatively.
Good reading comprehension enhances mental health, while low reading comprehension negatively affect is.
When people struggle to comprehend what they read, it leads to frustration, low self-esteem, and feelings of inadequacy.
What are the Mental Health Effects of Reading Negative Comments Online?
Reading negative comments online significantly impacts mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, lowered self-esteem, and even triggering feelings of anger or emotional distress.
This is especially true when when the comments are personal or hurtful, essentially acting like cyberbullying.
Reading and Mental Health Statistics, Facts and Trends for 2024 (Conclusion)
My updated guide for 2024 lists the best and latest statistics, facts and trends about reading and mental health.
I hope you enjoyed it because the guide is now over.
During my research, I consulted these resources below:
References:
- Why Reading is Good for Mental Health- https://namica.org/blog/why-reading-is-good-for-mental-health/
- Five studies evaluating the impact on mental health and mood of recalling, reading, and discussing fiction- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8993009/
- Why reading can be good for mental health- https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/reading-good-mental-health/
- How reading improves your mental health and wellbeing- https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/articles/mental-health-and-the-benefits-of-reading
- The Mental Health Benefits of Reading- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-effect/202203/the-mental-health-benefits-reading
- A must-read: Physical and mental health benefits of reading books- https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/physical-and-mental-health-benefits-of-reading-books
- New research reveals the power of reading and wellbeing- https://www.thereader.org.uk/reading-wellbeing/
- 5 Benefits of Reading- https://www.sacap.edu.za/blog/applied-psychology/benefits-of-reading/
- Does Reading Improve Health?- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/alpha-blog-charlie/202309/does-reading-improve-health
- Reading for mental wellbeing: Children and young people’s voices in 2024- https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/reading-for-mental-wellbeing-in-2023/
- World Book Day: The mental health benefits of reading- https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/2022/3-march-world-book-day-the-mental-health-benefits-of-reading/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.