The placebo effect in reading performance: A cross-over experimental study

A new study, conducted by researchers from the Department of General Psychology, shows that positive expectations can temporarily improve reading performance.

Researchers asked 102 young adults to wear “special” glasses that were actually sham lenses but were presented as tools capable of modifying reading abilities. Participants were led to believe that the lenses would either improve or worsen their reading performance through verbal instructions and manipulated computerized feedback.

The results showed that positive expectations (placebo effect) increased the reading speed of both words and pseudowords. In contrast, negative expectations did not significantly impair performance. The findings suggest that psychological factors such as expectations, context, and therapeutic rituals can influence even complex cognitive processes like reading.

These results highlight the importance of carefully considering placebo effects in reading enhancement and rehabilitation programs, as well as the potential benefits of harnessing positive expectations in clinical and educational settings.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691826005779
Sandro Franceschini, Sara Bertoni, Patrik Pluchino, Anna Panzeri, Giovanni Bruno, Martina Mancarella, Giovanna Puccio, Simona Carbone, Matteo Lulli, Cristiano Termine, Andrea Spoto, Simone Gori, Andrea Facoetti,
The placebo effect in reading performance: A cross-over experimental study,
Acta Psychologica, 266, 2026,106776, ISSN 0001-6918,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106776