Exploring the link between emotional intelligence and fiction reading habits: a correlational analysis

Abstract

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and artificial intelligence, the stories we read may quietly shape something far more powerful—our ability to feel, to connect, and to understand one another. This study explores the relationship between reading fiction and emotional intelligence (EI), investigating whether frequent, enjoyable, and immersive engagement with fiction correlates with higher EI levels. Using a mixed method approach, data was collected from 168 participants through Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue- SF) and the Reading Habits Questionnaire. Results indicated no significant overall correlation between reading habits and emotional intelligence. However, a weak positive correlation was observed between absorption in fantasy fiction and EI, suggesting that genre- specific immersive reading experiences may have nuanced emotional benefits. Further, participants who preferred physical books demonstrated notably higher EI scores compared to e- book readers, and intrinsic purposes correlated with higher EI than other purposes. These findings point towards a more complex, mediated relationship between reading and emotional growth, offering new directions for future research into the emotional value of narrative engagement.