Psychology and neuroscience have shown that reading has many benefits for our brain and emotional well-being. So much so that it is even used as a therapeutic tool or as a companion in psychological treatments. So, why is there still such a high percentage of non-readers?
Anatomy of the reading brain
Reading is not an innate characteristic of our species. In fact, it has only existed as an acquired process for 6,000 years. From a neuroscientific perspective, this mental activity is not linked to specialized brain areas, unlike what happens with other actions such as seeing, smelling or hearing.
When a human being acquires the ability to read, his or her brain must “subspecialize.” That is, areas that are already formed and mature are reorganized to make this possible.
Among the various theories that have attempted to explain how the act of reading occurs, those that currently receive the most support are the phonological route, which explains how we transform graphemes into phonemes, and the lexical route, on how we give meaning to those phonemes.
Since the first studies on the subject, it has been proven that reading involves multiple regions of the brain: the supramarginal gyrus, the angular gyrus, the frontal areas related to motor processes related to articulation, or the occipital areas responsible for processing visual stimuli such as letters. Additionally, areas linked to memory, meaning, and the emotional content of graphemes and phonemes are activated.
Despite this diffuse localization in the brain map, the role played by both the left hemisphere and the interhemispheric connections – and, therefore, neuroplasticity – in the acquisition of the reading process is unquestionable.
It’s all advantages
As for its psychological benefits, reading primarily increases imagination and empathy. Some research has revealed that it activates brain areas related to the theory of mind (the ability to understand that there are opinions, situations and emotional states different from our own) and other faculties that are activated during psychological therapy, such as introspection.
It also improves certain cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and sustained attention. If the chosen reading is able to capture our attention, this reduces the distraction of other surrounding stimuli. This effect is more visible when reading is acquired in childhood.
Another positive effect is the reduction of stress levels. This is possible because when we read, “feel-good” neurotransmitters such as dopamine or oxytocin are released.
And if that were not enough, numerous studies support the idea that it is a protective factor against aging due to its relationship with the concept of cognitive reserve, something like the “pantry of knowledge” that supplies the brain. The greater the cognitive reserve, the longer it takes for the symptoms of dementia to appear, among other effects.
How to expand reading in society
The latest data published in the report by the Spanish Centre for Sociological Research (CIS), for example, reflect that 35.2% of Spaniards never or almost never read. A reality that could change if the benefits of this activity were effectively communicated.
At this point, political institutions are a key element in promoting reading through information, awareness and encouragement campaigns that involve all age groups and invite them to take care of their brain health by reading.
Libraries, schools, secondary schools, universities and senior centres could catalyse these campaigns, reinforced by the acquisition of books, talks by expert scientists and visits by authors who have contact with readers.
On a personal level, the first thing is to create a habit. It has been shown that in addition to the benefits mentioned, reading every day promotes other habits such as writing. Two actions that complement each other and coincide in their therapeutic benefit.
Sharing the reading experience is also a good strategy. Motivation increases if we participate in a reading club, attend a book launch or go to places where we meet other people with the same literary interests or tastes.
The same strategy can be developed with dependent elderly people who have few opportunities to socialize. Reading with them is a way of giving them affection and keeping them active.
In short, reading is a facilitator of emotional and social well-being, with indisputable benefits supported by scientific studies. So, reader of this article, celebrate books, give them away and share them. Take the luxury of being an active part of this act that takes care of your brain and your emotional ties.
María J. García-Rubio, Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the International University of Valencia – Co-director of the VIU-NED Chair of Global Neuroscience and Social Change – Member of the Psychology and Quality of Life Research Group (PsiCal), International University of Valencia and Ana Merino, Director of the Planeta Chair of Literature and Society, International University of Valencia
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.
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