Professor Philip Davis, one of the study's authors, said:
For the research, people rated texts on the basis of their 'poeticness' and how much they had to re-think meaning while reading."The research found that the sustained experience of reading poems might be expected to challenge rigid expectancies and fixed thoughts and to increase mental flexibility through the process of the reappraisal of meaning and the acceptance of fresh meanings, a process that was experienced as intrinsically rewarding."
Some text required more effort than others.
Brain scans showed increased activity in key brain networks when people read the more complex texts and had greater literary awareness.
Professor Davis said:
The study was published in the journal Cortex (O'Sullivan et al., 2016)."This is especially promising since the activated areas of the brain that provided a sense of reward in the very process of activation is known to be particularly under-vitalized in those suffering from depression."
Comment: Professor Philip Davis provides important information in how to rewire the brain.
See also: Recording and rewinding our thoughts -- is it possible?