Book Interventions and Reading Selection
Can popular nonfiction books function as durable psychological interventions? This project examines whether sustained reading can reduce polarization, aggression, and social division while strengthening compassion, cooperation, and inclusive social identities.
Artificial intelligence simulations and expert consultation are being used to identify theoretically promising and ethically appropriate books. The strongest candidates will then be evaluated in human pilot studies and a longitudinal randomized controlled trial.
Current pipeline
- Refining study materials and book-selection criteria
- Comparing predictions across multiple large language models
- Preparing pilot studies and preregistration
- Developing measures of polarization, identity, intergroup ties, and qualitative change
This project is supported by a Mind & Life Europe Varela Award and developed in collaboration with researchers at the NYU Center for Conflict and Cooperation.