The Queen's Reading Room charity, founded by Camilla, has announced plans for a major neuroscientific study into the effects of book clubs. The research, led by Professor Sam Wass at the University of East London in partnership with The Bentley Foundation, will examine the physiological and psychological impacts of shared reading in groups.
The laboratory-controlled investigation aims to understand how collective reading experiences may alleviate stress, strengthen social bonds, and improve wellbeing. This follows previous research by the charity in 2024, which found that just five minutes of reading fiction can reduce stress by nearly 20% and improve concentration by 11%.
Vicki Perrin, chief executive of The Queen's Reading Room, said the new study would explore what happens when people gather to share stories. Professor Wass noted that while the benefits of reading alone are known, less is understood about shared reading's impact on stress and social connection.
The charity, which began as an Instagram book club during lockdown in 2021, is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2026 with the motto 'Make Room for Reading'. The results of the study are expected to be published by World Mental Health Day in October.
