S/V Sundance: New Groundbreaking Research: Can Storytelling Reduce Political Division?

Friday, February 27, 2026

New Groundbreaking Research: Can Storytelling Reduce Political Division?

Dear Faith,

Welcome to our February update!

We're excited to share groundbreaking new research from the University of Oxford and The Ohio State University evaluating the impact of Narrative 4's programs. The independent study, underwritten by Stand Together Trust, found that storytelling had a significant positive impact on students and classrooms, reducing polarization and increasing respect for others. For a deeper dive into the findings, please keep reading.

You will also find updates from our global community, including Story Exchanges on an epic scale to virtual opportunities to retell someone's story as if it were your own.

Thank you for reading.

What happens when we tell each other stories? Researchers from the University of Oxford and The Ohio State University conducted a year-long study to find an answer.

380 Kentucky (USA) high school students across five school districts took part. The research found that those who participated in Narrative 4 programs experienced major benefits, including:

⏬ Reduced affective (political) polarization

⏫ Improved classroom climate

⏫ Increased active listening
⏫ Increased willingness to participate in civic engagement initiatives

The controlled, longitudinal study was conducted during the 2024-2025 academic year by researchers Dr. Emily Kubin (University of Oxford) and Dr. Kurt Gray (The Ohio State University).

Why This Matters

This study shows that Narrative 4's Story Exchange powerfully equips young people to bridge differences and actively contribute to their communities.

Read More About the Study

Download the Fact Sheet

Two Continents, 1,500 Stories

📍 Illinois, United States │ Kaduna, Nigeria

This month, two schools in different parts of the world conducted Story Exchanges at an incredible scale.

In the United States, nearly 800 students at Illinois' Nazareth Academy exchanged stories as part of the school's heritage week. Meanwhile, 6,000 miles away in northwestern Nigeria, 100 facilitators and 700 students gathered at Government Girls Secondary School Kabala Costain for the largest single-day Story Exchange ever delivered in Kaduna.

As we train more teachers, more of these large-scale programs are on the horizon. So far this year, 8,697 young people have been part of a Narrative 4 program. If you'd like to bring the power of the Story Exchange to your school, find out more here.

A Passport to Ireland with Colum McCann

Full Details

📍 New York, United States

As part of its Selected Shorts program, Symphony Space will host an exciting live event with Narrative 4 Co-Founder Colum McCann in New York on March 18. The audience will explore a selection of contemporary Irish short fiction, curated by writers and led by McCann. It promises to be a great event — find out more below!

Experience The Story Exchange

📍 Virtual

If you or someone you know would like to experience the Narrative 4 Story Exchange, join us for a free virtual workshop open to anyone who is curious about how storytelling can foster compassion, build connection and create real-world impact.

Various Dates - Click to Learn More

We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our colleague Nakya Marshall.

Nakya radiated warmth, joy, and humor in her work as a Training Associate and Lead Trainer for Narrative 4. Read our staff tribute to Nakya below.

Remembering Nakya