A new study from the National Literacy Trust shows that they help adults feel more mentally stimulated and connected to the world
Last year, we noted a growth in new audiobook listeners during lockdown, and recent research(i) from the National Literacy Trust reveals that 7 in 10 (70%) UK adults who listen to audiobooks said it made them feel less stressed and anxious. With more than two thirds (67%) reporting that listening to audiobooks cheered them up when they felt down, it is clear that listening to audiobooks can have a significant impact. Audiobooks can help to break down barriers to reading, both in terms of encouraging reluctant readers and allowing wider access to books, consequentially boosting literacy and helping people to develop long lasting reading habits.
This new NLT study, made possible by Audible, also goes on to reveal that:
- More than 7 in 10 (72%) adults felt that audiobooks helped keep their brain stimulated
- Over half (55%) said that audiobooks made them feel more connected to the world
- Nearly 2 in 5 (38%) had listened more to audiobooks during the pandemic
- 3 in 10 (30%) said they felt the wellbeing benefits of audiobooks more keenly during the pandemic.
The study is the first time that the National Literacy Trust has conducted research into adults’ listening habits. The research was carried out during the summer of 2021 as the UK was emerging from a series of Covid-19 lockdowns.
Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust comments:
“These new findings shed more light on the mental stimulation and sense of connectivity experienced by people who listen to audiobooks than was previously known. One aim of the National Literacy Trust’s work around audiobooks has been to help build an evidence base for the Axe the Reading Tax campaign, which calls for the removal of VAT from e-books and audiobooks.”
The National Literacy Trust is disappointed that the Chancellor didn’t use yesteday’s Spring Statement to commit to removing VAT from audiobooks, and hope that our new research will demonstrate the need to remove this to the Treasury.
Kevin Addley, UK County Manager for Audible said:
“We know that audiobooks can entertain, inspire, and inform listeners. This latest important research from the National Literacy Trust highlights how audiobooks can support healthy mental wellbeing, from stimulating the brain to providing a sense of connection to the world.”
To access the Audiobooks Report, the Axe the Reading Tax campaign or for other information, visit literacytrust.org.uk/audiobooks.
The research was undertaken by the National Literacy Trust and funded by Audible.
- (i) Details of the new Audiobook Research Report here: https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/audiobooks-a-survey-of-uk-adults-in-2021/
About the National Literacy Trust
Our mission is to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of those who need it most, giving them the best possible chance of success in school, work and life. We run Literacy Hubs and campaigns in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility are seriously impacting people’s lives. We support schools and early years settings to deliver outstanding literacy provision, and we campaign to make literacy a priority for politicians, businesses and parents.
Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Literacy is a vital element of action against poverty and our work changes children and young people’s life stories. Our new site Words for Life provides simple, fun and educational activities for children and young people aged 0-24 to support learning at home and help them feel more confident.
Visit literacytrust.org.uk to find out more, donate or sign up for our free email newsletter. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Audible
Audible, an Amazon company, is a leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible.co.uk content includes more than 700,000 audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible Originals. Audible has millions of members around the world who subscribe to one of 10 localised services designed for customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US. Audible members download nearly 4 billion hours of content annually and listen across a wide range of supported devices.
