Industry Research
Research That Proves
Connection Works
Narrative 4’s work is grounded in research from leading academic institutions. Across classrooms and communities, our Story Exchange method consistently strengthens empathy, deepens connection, and builds the skills young people need to thrive in a complex world.
Evidence in Action
Backed by research. Proven in practice.
Yale University Study
How do U.S. High School Students Feel at School? School Report: Emotion Revolution Survey Results: N4 Schools
This national study found that students in Narrative 4 schools experience significantly more positive emotions, including happiness, connection, confidence, and hope, and lower levels of fear, sadness, hopelessness, and discouragement compared to students nationwide.
University of Oxford and
The Ohio State University Study
Promoting Empathy, Connection, and Pro-sociality Through Storytelling in American High School
Oxford researchers found that Story Exchange led to measurable increases in empathy, perspective-taking, respect for others, and reduced polarization toward classmates and people in the broader community who are different from themselves.
University of Chicago Study
Promoting Empathy in Adolescents: An Exploratory Study of the Story Exchange
This peer-reviewed study found that students reported significant increases in their sense of closeness with a peer after participating in Story Exchange, as well as boosts in empathic feelings.
What the Data Shows
13.30%
increase in empathy toward classmates — with additional gains toward people beyond students’ immediate circles
30%
fewer students in Narrative 4 schools report being treated cruelly compared to national averages
29.6%
of students in Narrative 4 schools name happy as one of the emotions they most often feel at school
The students at the N4 Schools experienced all positive emotions more frequently than the national sample.
Brackett, Marc, et al., Yale University
How Do U.S. High School Students Feel at School? School Report: Emotion Revolution Survey Results: N4 Schools
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