Adult Retrospectives on Unhealthy Adolescent Responses to Reading Fiction

Research in the field of reading has demonstrated the benefits of reading, including increased vocabulary (Anderson et al., 1986; Day et al., 1991) and comprehension (Anderson et al., 1986; Duncan et al., 2016), improved academic skills (Chen et al., 2017; Whitten et al., 2016), enhanced relaxation and pleasure (Gerlich et al., 2012; Kaiser & Quandt, 2016; Wilhelm & Smith, 2016), and increased sense of well-being (Amer, 1999; Bravender et al., 2010; De Vries et al., 2017; Sheih & Chien, 2013). However, limited research has explored potential negative experiences of adolescents' associated with fiction reading. Therefore, I interviewed adults who identified as having had unhealthy or negative reactions to reading fiction books during their adolescence. Findings indicated a complex interaction between the content of fiction books and the physical and emotional state of the reader with a variety of self-identified negative or unhealthy experiences, including fear, anxiety, running away, sexual activity, drug and alcohol use, depression, and eating disorders. Future research is needed to determine if the phenomenon of instigatory literary experiences extends beyond the limited setting of the research. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]