Fiction Writing

Abstract

Fiction writing is a method that uses imagination and narrative to collect information about potential sources of bias—assumptions, stereotypes, misconceptions—that one group might have toward another or toward a specific kind of behavior. This fiction writing method involves leading participants through a series of prompts designed to encourage deep engagement with a narrative and with perspective taking. The steps involved are (1) identifying an area/topic/relationship, (2) anchoring the situation/topic to a character, (3) rounding out the character, (4) constructing a scene featuring the character, (5) analyzing the results, and (6) disseminating the findings. Researchers can combine fiction writing with assessments of empathy for an imagined character or attitudes about attribution for health behaviors. Research themes include how individual characteristics are emphasized in explaining health behaviors. Understanding the relationships among narrative, empathy, and attribution has implications for how services are designed and delivered, as well as for health policies.