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Beyond the sage on the stage: Testing a reciprocal storytelling model to cultivate empathy in college classrooms
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Beyond the sage on the stage: Testing a reciprocal storytelling model to cultivate empathy in college classrooms

Jeevanjot Singh Kapur, Jiyoung Shin, Aidan Kittle, Joshua Woods and Martin Kivlighan
Journal of curriculum and pedagogy
02/04/2026
DOI: 10.1080/15505170.2026.2615670
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/15505170.2026.2615670View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

This mixed-methods study tested whether reciprocal storytelling can foster empathy across lines of difference in a college setting. A total of 118 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either an Open Book or a control group condition. In the Open Book condition, reciprocal storytelling was operationalized through three core components: first-person narrative sharing, facilitated reciprocal dialogue using reflective prompts, and voluntary participation emphasizing psychological safety. Control sessions followed a lecture-style storytelling format. Empathy was measured using the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index at three time points. A linear mixed-effects model revealed that while both groups showed increases in empathy over time, the Open Book group exhibited more immediate gains that were sustained at follow-up. Qualitative analysis supported these findings: participants in the Open Book condition described emotionally resonant moments, reflected on social identity differences, and reported ongoing shifts in self-understanding. Together, the results suggest that reciprocal storytelling may cultivate empathy through dialogic engagement and deepen perspective-taking in ways distinct from traditional, one-way lecture storytelling formats. Open Book represents a structured implementation of reciprocal storytelling for cultivating empathy, inclusion, and meaningful intergroup engagement in classrooms and campus communities.
 bidirectional storytelling collaborative storytelling interpersonal and social empathy multicultural narrative intervention reciprocal storytelling rural Storytelling in higher education

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