Emy Koopman
List of John Benjamins publications in which Emy Koopman is involved.
2014 Reading in times of loss: An exploration of the functions of literature during grief Scientific Study of Literature 4:1, pp. 68–88 | Article
This study examined the use of literature as a coping strategy among people who had experienced loss, comparing it to the use of music. Theory suggested that these artistic media can facilitate insight, recognition, support, relaxation, new emotions, and/or distraction. Among 198 respondents, 64… read more
2013 The attraction of tragic narrative: Catharsis and other motives Aesthetic Engagement During Moments of Suffering, Kuiken, Don and Mary Beth Oliver (eds.), pp. 178–208 | Article
A survey study was conducted to explore why people read about suffering, giving particular attention to the role that catharsis may play. Through an online questionnaire, respondents (N = 67) commented on a popular autobiographical Dutch novel about grief. The questionnaire contained closed and… read more
2012 Review of Oatley (2012): The passionate muse: Exploring emotion in stories Scientific Study of Literature 2:2, pp. 322–325 | Review
2011 Predictors of insight and catharsis among readers who use literature as a coping strategy Scientific Study of Literature 1:2, pp. 241–259 | Article
The current study aimed to explore the mechanisms of the therapeutic function of literature for non-clinical subjects. It was hypothesized that narrative feelings (identification with the character and feeling absorbed in the narrative world) and aesthetic feelings (attention to and appreciation of… read more



