Childhood Hobbies Boost Adult Mental Health and Brain Function

Cognitive and Academic Impacts of Early Reading

The analysis examined clinical interviews, cognitive tests, mental and behavioral assessments, and brain scans. After accounting for socioeconomic status, the research team found that young people who spent between three and 10 years reading for enjoyment tended to do better academically at school compared to peers who picked up the habit later or never at all.

“It’s something we ought to be encouraging from an early age given the increasing evidence of its benefits, particularly to children, but really, it’s never too late to start,” Professor Barbara Sahakian, a Cambridge University neuroscientist who studies the hobby, said in a press release.

The early-reading group also exhibited better mental well-being. Researchers observed fewer signs of stress and depression, sharper attention, and reduced behavioral problems, such as aggression and rule-breaking. Additionally, these adolescents spent less time watching TV or scrolling on smartphones and tablets and tended to get more sleep.

Brain Structure Differences and the 12-Hour Sweet Spot

Imaging scans revealed biological differences in adolescents who read for pleasure early in life. These participants showed moderately larger overall brain areas and volumes, including regions tied to cognitive function, mental health, behavior, and attention.

However, researchers found that the benefits leveled off when reading exceeded a certain threshold. The optimal duration for pleasure reading among young children appeared to be around 12 hours a week. Beyond that mark, cognitive scores began to dip.

“We encourage parents to do their best to awaken the joy of reading in their children at an early age,” stated Professor Jianfeng Feng, who is affiliated with the University of Warwick in the UK and Fudan University in Shanghai. “Done right, this will not only give them pleasure and enjoyment, but will also help their development and encourage long-term reading habits, which may also prove beneficial into adult life.”

Declining Trends in Childhood Reading

These findings emerge as recreational reading rates decline among American children. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics released in July, the percentage of 9-year-olds who read for enjoyment has dropped by 16 percentage points over the last 13 years.

In 2025, 37% of 9-year-olds reported reading for fun almost every day, down from 42% in 2020 and 53% in 1984. Meanwhile, the proportion of children who never or hardly ever read for fun rose to 17% last year, compared with 9% in 1984.

“Given how beneficial reading for pleasure is at a young age, we should be doing everything we can to introduce children and young people to reading,” said Dr. Christelle Langley, a cognitive neuroscientist in Cambridge’s Department of Psychiatry.

Adult Benefits of Mentally Stimulating Activities

The advantages of reading extend well beyond adolescence. Studies indicate that reading acts as a boon for adults, linking to lower stress, greater relaxation, and increased empathy.

Later in life, regular participation in mentally stimulating activities—including reading—is associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is best to start reading for pleasure?

Researchers found significant cognitive and neurological benefits in children who started reading for pleasure between the ages of 2 and 9.

Is there a limit to the benefits of reading?

Yes. Researchers identified a sweet spot of around 12 hours of reading per week. Beyond that, cognitive scores began to dip, potentially because heavy readers spent less time on sports or socializing.

Does reading help adults as well as children?

Studies suggest reading reduces stress and increases empathy in adults, while regular mental stimulation later in life is linked to a lower risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.