College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2025-04-26 12:10:07

Major

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Honors Course

SOCIO 496 - Senior Honors Project

Number of Credits

3

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2025

Abstract

While prison education programs primarily emphasize vocational skills and functional literacy, the role of fiction in fostering personal growth remains very under-researched. This research paper explores the impact of reading fiction on incarcerated individuals, focusing on its potential to impact emotional intelligence, empathy, and behavior. Research in psychology and correctional education suggests that fiction improves cognitive empathy, emotional regulation, and social skills (Mar & Oatley, 2008; Green & Brock, 2000). I argue that it would be useful to utilize these findings for rehabilitative programming in corrections.

This study critically evaluates findings from psychological and correctional literacy research. Evidence from studies with the general population suggests that fiction readers demonstrate improved emotional awareness, social cognition, and abilities involving being able to understand other people’s perspectives (Mar et al., 2011; Sweeny 2010). Literacy programs in prisons have not been linked to reduced behavior infractions, thus direct evidence of fiction’s influence on incarcerated individuals’ behavior is limited.

The findings support expanding access to fiction in prison libraries and implementing structured reading programs. Future research should focus on studies measuring fiction’s direct impact on incarcerated individuals.

Research Sponsor

Daniela Jauk-Ajamie

First Reader

Hillary Nunn

Second Reader

Lia Chervenak Wiley

Honors Faculty Advisor

Rebecca Erickson

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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