The influence of exposure to foreign literature on Chinese readers’ out-group attitudes: the sequential mediating role of emotional investment and cultural empathy

Our findings highlight that foreign literature is a valuable medium for fostering intercultural empathy by providing readers with indirect experiences of diverse cultural perspectives. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of carefully curated literary selections and structured educational approaches to maximize the positive impact of foreign literature on readers' attitudes. These results contribute to understanding literature's role in promoting inclusivity, with implications for educational practices that foster empathy and reduce prejudice. Future research should continue to investigate the specific genres, themes, and teaching techniques that most effectively cultivate cultural empathy and open-mindedness in an increasingly globalized society.