New Study Finds Storytelling Reduces Political Polarization

A groundbreaking new study from the University of Oxford and The Ohio State University reveals compelling evidence that storytelling reduces polarization and measurably strengthens emotional connection, active citizenship and social cohesion among high school students.

The longitudinal, controlled study tested the efficacy of a storytelling intervention in five diverse Kentucky school districts, in partnership with global nonprofit organization Narrative 4, which uses storytelling to promote social change. The study compared the experiences and perspectives of students who took part in this storytelling intervention to peers in a control group.

“Across the globe, and particularly in American high schools, young people are facing a crisis of connection,” said Narrative 4’s CEO Lisa Consiglio. “Our method is that you tell my story, and I tell yours, then together we can cross the divides. It builds compassion, respect and civic connection. We don’t have to agree with one another, but we absolutely must try to understand one another. In the end, the shortest distance between us is a story.”