Reading, suffering, and the self: exploring the role of reading in experiences of suffering and coping

This project examines a common but under explored experience: turning to fiction and poetry in times of suffering, and how this shapes coping and meaning-making.

This mixed-methods project explores the role of reading fiction and poetry in experiences of suffering and coping. The study includes an autoethnographic component alongside participant interviews and a narrative review of the literature.

Data collection is ongoing. One participant interview has been completed, with an additional participant currently in screening; one more participant is being recruited. Recruitment materials are being updated for HiREB approval, with plans to expand recruitment beyond clinical settings to support study completion.

A key milestone has been a refinement of the project scope. The study now includes all fiction and poetry (including genre fiction), rather than focusing solely on literary fiction. This change reflects gaps in the existing literature, where reading materials are often poorly described, as well as emerging insights from participant data and the researcher’s reflexive work. Existing scholarship also supports the potential therapeutic value of genre fiction.

The accompanying narrative review has completed article screening, with 33 articles currently undergoing data extraction.

Next steps include completing recruitment, conducting reflexive thematic analysis, and integrating findings across study components.

Lead and contact: Natalie Blysniuk (natalie.blysniuk@medportal.ca)