Narrative Fiction as a Low-Resistance State Simulator

This working paper examines narrative fiction—particularly novels and screen narratives—as low-resistance environments for observing psychological state trajectories. It argues that fictional narratives function as state simulators by lowering defensive monitoring and self-presentation concerns, thereby enabling audiences to traverse cognitive and affective transitions with minimal resistance. Rather than treating fiction as a source of symbolic interpretation or emotional catharsis, the paper positions narrative engagement as a methodological asset for state observation. The analysis focuses on how narrative structures, perspective-taking, and temporal unfolding support the projection and evolution of psychological states without direct elicitation or self-report.