Understanding the Influence of Reading on Personality

Abstract

Reading has its origin from writing that happened during the 4th millennium BC. Several studies in the past have explored the influence of reading on personality traits. These studies were quantitative in their approach, where they explored the influence of reading habits on personality traits. Most of these studies used the Big Five Personality scale to understand the influence of reading.  In our study, we have explored the effects of reading from a subjective lens. We have explained how reading has influenced the individual’s perspectives, covering domains such as the influence of a particular genre, socio cultural aspects as well as the functionality of reading, supported by the Big Five Theory of Personality and Theory of Mind. 6 participants were interviewed in this study. The participant’s age range was between 30-50 years of age. In addition to this, we recruited participants who have been reading for 10 or more years and reside within India. Data was collected through audio-based mediums and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data has been analysed using Thematic analysis. The findings have been discussed using the Big Five Model. Excerpts from the participant’s interviews have been drawn to understand how reading influences openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Apart from these domains, the results are also discussed using Theory of Mind to understand the ability of individuals to empathise because of prolonged reading.