Comic reading as a tool for improving mental health and English language proficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v3i3.110Keywords:
mental health, English learning, vocabulary development, visual literacy, emotional engagementAbstract
This study aims to explore the role of comic reading in improving mental health and enhancing English language learning among students and young readers. Comics are increasingly recognized as educational and psychological tools because they combine visual narratives, contextual language, and emotional expression in an engaging format. The study employs a qualitative document review method by analysing journal articles, books, and previous studies related to comics, mental well-being, and English language acquisition. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis to identify the educational and psychological benefits of comic reading. The findings reveal that comics contribute positively to readers’ mental health by reducing stress, increasing motivation, and fostering emotional connection through relatable stories and characters. In language learning, comics help improve vocabulary mastery, reading comprehension, speaking confidence, and contextual understanding of English expressions. The visual support provided in comics also assists learners in understanding meaning more effectively and maintaining learning interest. In conclusion, comics serve not only as entertainment media but also as valuable resources for supporting emotional well-being and developing English language skills. The study suggests that educators integrate comics into language learning activities to create more enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences.
Downloads
References
Ahmar, D. S., & Azzajjad, M. F. (2025). Empowering local wisdom for enhancing students’ social skills in the global era. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 2(2), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v2i2.120
Andiopenta, A., & Suyadi, S. (2024). Speech action patterns of Indonesian at multi-language campus. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 1(2), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v1i2.8
Bhattacharjee, P., & Tripathi, P. (2022). Spit bubbles, speech bubbles, and COVID-19: creating comics in the age of post-infection India. Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine, 45, 205 - 220. https://doi.org/10.1080/17453054.2022.2037408
Brandt, I., Somé, S., Millogo, O., Sourabié, O., Burns, J., Shinde, S., Haucke, M., Sivewright, N., Neumann, C., Bajaria, S., Napon, K., Dah, C., Taonda, M., Siegel, J., Sando, M., Bärnighausen, T., Sié, A., & Liu, S. (2025). Effectiveness of a comic book intervention on mental health literacy among adolescents and youth in Burkina Faso: a randomized controlled trial protocol. BMC Public Health, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21325-2.
Bugtong, M., Milio, Z., Canuto, P., Lumidao, Y., Lumecio, D., Choycawen, M., & Bando, D. (2025). English Comics As Reading Materials And Intervention In Improving Students’ Reading Comprehension. Problems of Education in the 21st Century. https://doi.org/10.33225/pec/25.83.480.
Calafato, R., & Gudim, F. (2021). Comics as a multimodal resource and students’ willingness to communicate in Russian. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 13, 270 - 286. https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2021.1951788
Camden, V. J. (2020). The Thought Bubble and Its Vicissitudes in Contemporary Comics. American Imago, 77, 603 - 638. https://doi.org/10.1353/aim.2020.0031
Clark, E. (2017). Are Comics Effective Materials For Teaching Ells? A Literature Review On Graphic Media For L2 Instruction. IJAEDU- International E-Journal of Advances in Education, 3, 298-309. https://doi.org/10.18768/ijaedu.336260.
Diaspita, Nasution, I., Sebayang, V. A., Saragih, E., & Priyatno, A. (2026). Comic strips as learning media in high school art education: A qualitative study. International Journal of Culture and Art Studies, 10(1), 56– 62. https://doi.org/10.32734/ijcas.v10i1.24065
Dong, M., Sun, X., & Hu, Y. (2024). Effects of a remote multimodal psychoeducational intervention nursing program on mental health and quality of life of renal cell carcinoma survivors: A retrospective study. Archivos Españoles de Urología, 77(7), 789–795. https://doi.org/10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20247707.110
Eisner, W. (2008). Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative. W.W. Norton & Company. Gorman, L. (2010). Comics and Language: A Linguistic Approach. Palgrave Macmillan.
Farinella, Matteo. (2018). The potential of comics in science communication. Journal of Science Communication. 17. Y01. 10.22323/2.17010401.
Farthing, A., & Priego, E. (2020). Barriers Remain: Perceptions and Uses of Comics by Mental Health and Social Care Library Users. Open Library of Humanities. https://doi.org/10.16995/olh.98
Fernando, J. C. R., & Dizon Jr , R. P. (2025). Ecopost: Eco-critical discourse analysis of wwf-Philippines’ captions. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 2(3), 164–174. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v2i3.132
Fitriyanti, N., Bahri, B. S., & Kristanto, A. (2023). Comics As Instructional Media in Education Journals Across Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan : Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Pembelajaran, 8(1), 84–93. https://doi.org/10.33394/jtp.v8i1.6059
Flores-González, N., Flores, V., & Hernández, M. (2024). The Influence of E-Comics on English Lexical Competence in Virtual Higher Education. IAFOR Journal of Education. https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.12.2.07.
Gorjian, B. & Mohammadi, M. (2024). Impact of Comic Video Clips on English Language Learners Listening Comprehension. Journal of Social Sciences, 20(1), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2024.17.27
Habeahan, E. (2025). Using English Comics To Teach Reading In Efl Classrooms. ELTR Journal. https://doi.org/10.37147/eltr.v9i1.231.
Hanum, H. H., & Rezania, V. (2026). Digital Comic Development for Elementary Social Studies Learning Outcomes: Pengembangan Komik Digital untuk Hasil Pembelajaran Mata Pelajaran Sosial di Sekolah Dasar. Indonesian Journal of Education Methods Development, 20(1), 10.21070/ijemd.v20i1.1026. https://doi.org/10.21070/ijemd.v20i1.1026
Hernawati, H., Ahmad, Y. B., & Saefullah, H. (2024). Students’ cognitive engagement through educard in learning vocabulary . Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 1(3), 87–92. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v1i3.17 (Original work published August 16, 2024)
Hilmi, M. (2024). The Influence of Reading Strategies on Comprehension Skills in English Language Learners. MASALIQ, 5(1), 37-49. https://doi.org/10.58578/masaliq.v5i1.4295
Jadán-Guerrero, J., Ramos, J., Arias-Flores, H., & Nunes, I. L. (2022). Using Comics in the English Language Classroom. Human Factors and Systems Interaction. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1002175
Journal of Human–Computer Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2025.2575298
Khodayari Moghadam, A., Tajalli, P., & Sepahmansour, M. (2021). Developing a cartoon-based English proverbs training program and its effectiveness on anxiety and orientation of L2 learning in English learners. Journal of Child Mental Health, 8(3), 2. http://childmentalhealth.ir/article-1-1168-en.html
Kohnke, L. (2018). Using comic strips to stimulate student creativity in language learning. TESOL Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.419
Krashen, S. D. (1985). The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications. Longman.
Liu, J. (2004), Effects of Comic Strips on L2 Learners' Reading Comprehension. TESOL Quarterly, 38: 225-243. https://doi.org/10.2307/3588379
Maatman, T., Minshew, L., & Braun, M. (2021). Increase in Sharing of Stressful Situations by Medical Trainees through Drawing Comics. The Journal of Medical Humanities, 43, 467 - 473. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10912-021-09717-y.
Mazowita, A. (2021). Graphic Communities: Comics as Visual and Virtual Resources for Self- and Collective Care. The Comics Grid: Journal of Comics Scholarship. https://doi.org/10.16995/cg.6493.
McCloud, S. (1993). Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. HarperCollins.
McNicol, S. (2014). The potential of educational comics as a health information medium. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 31(1), 52–62. https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12035
Miller, J. (2017). The Superhero in Trauma Recovery: Examining Identification and Empowerment Through Superhero Narratives. Journal of Psychological Studies, 12(3), 89- 101.
Moretti, V., Scavarda, A., & Green, M. J. (2025). Learning by drawing: understanding the potential of comics- based courses in medical education through a qualitative study. BMC Medical Education, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07120-y
Nafisa, Z., Safitri, A., Amin, M., Rakhmawati, R., & Mukhayatin, Y. (2021). Using Comics as A Learning Media to Improve EFL Vocabulary: MAN 1 Lamongan Students’ Perspectives. Edulitics (Education, Literature, and Linguistics) Journal. https://doi.org/10.52166/edulitics.v6i1.2658.
Ogier, S., & Ghosh, K. (2018). Exploring student teachers’ capacity for creativity through the interdisciplinary use of comics in the primary classroom. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 9, 293 - 309. https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2017.1319871
Pazaer, N., & Assaiqeli, A. (2023). Pre-service teachers' views on using English comics to improve pupils' English language skills. Studies in English Language and Education. https://doi.org/10.24815/siele.v10i1.21836.
Pilares, A. P., & Dizon Jr, R. P. (2025). An analysis of code-switching between Kapampangan and English language. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 2(3), 186–199. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v2i3.133
Postema, B., & Flowers, J. (2026). Comics is a Multimodal Art Form. In M. Lund (Ed.), Comics is... : Debating the Subject of Comics Studies (pp. 71-84). (Palgrave Studies in Comics and Graphic Novels). Palgrave MacMillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-09948-8_5
Qin, R., Li, Z., & Huang, K. (2025). Comparative efficacy of various virtual reality technologies on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and network meta- analysis. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 26. https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(25)00458- X/abstract
Ramlan, R., & Aziz, A. (2025). Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition Among Year 4 Esl Learners Through Chatgpt- Assisted Comic Creation. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counseling. https://doi.org/10.35631/ijepc.1058009.
Rasamimanana, M., Mizzi, R., Melmi, J. B., Saffi, S., & Colé, P. (2025). Is Comprehension in Comics More Effective Than in Traditional Texts in Skilled Adult Readers? An Eye Movement-Based Study. Cognitive science, 49(7), e70081. https://doi.org/10.1111/cogs.70081
Schwarz, G. E. (2006). Expanding Literacies through Graphic Novels. English Journal, 95(6), 58-64.
Sedliarova, O. M., & Soloveva, N. (2021). Comics As Educational Tools In Teaching English Grammar, Lexis And Communication Skills. 615-627. https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2021vol5.6228
Shami, S., Venu, V. P., Shanampoodi, G. B., Rajeswari, D., Chaithanya, M., Fazulur, S. S., R., Sharma, S., Email, I., Venu, P., Babu, G., Shanampoodi, T. S., RajeswariMs., D., Chaithanya, S., Fazulur, S., Rehmana, S., & S. (2025). Impact Of English Language Learning On Mental Health: Exploring The Relationships Between Language Anxiety, Self-Esteem, And Depression. Journal of Neonatal Surgery. https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.2668
Shimazaki, T., Iio, M., Uechi, H., & Takenaka, K. (2021). Emotional experiences of reading health educational manga encouraging behavioral changes: a non-randomized controlled trial. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 9, 398 - 421. https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2021.1921583.
Sinervo, K., & Freedman, A. (2021). Feeling your pain: empathy in comics. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 13, 554 - 570. https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2021.1951786.
Stephen, A., & Jacob, R. (2025). Covid-19 comics as graphic networks of non-emergent healthcare: A multimodal discourse analysis of pandemic comics. Studies in Linguistics, Culture, and FLT. https://doi.org/10.46687/qjot5514
Sutherland, T., Choi, D., & Yu, C. (2020). “Brought to life through imagery” – animated graphic novels to promote empathic, patient-centred care in postgraduate medical learners. BMC Medical Education, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-02491-4.
Syahid, A., & Khoirotunnisa, U. (2021). Online English Comics as Reading Materials for English Language Education Department Students. European Journal of Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.3.1359.
Themelis, C., & Sime, J.-A. (2020). Comics for inclusive, technology-enhanced language learning. In S. Mavridi & V. Saumell (Eds.), Digital innovations and research in language learning (pp. 93–114). IATEFL.
Vita, R., , L., Wahyuni, S., Rosida, S., & Zahra, P. (2023). Comic Strip: a Media to Teach English. JOLADU: Journal of Language Education. https://doi.org/10.58738/joladu.v1i3.202.
Wahyuni, E., Wajdi, M., Susanto, B., Sanjaya, I. N. S., & Sahoo, P. (2025). The dual benefits of comic reading: Enhancing mental health and language learning. Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies, 3(2), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v3i2.342
Wahyuni, E., Wajdi, M., Susanto, B., Sanjaya, I., & Sahoo, P. (2025). The dual benefits of comic reading: Enhancing mental health and language learning. Journal of Language, Literature, Social and Cultural Studies. https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v3i2.342.
Wang, X. (2025). A preliminary exploration of the integration of mental health education and moral education activities: a case study of the four-panel comic in high school moral education class meetings. Advances in Social Behavior Research. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7102/2025.25642
Wicaksono, D. (2023). The Students’ Views On The Use Of Comic In Teaching And Learning English. Journey: Journal of English Language and Pedagogy. https://doi.org/10.33503/journey.v6i2.3311.
Wittig, C. (2024). Exploring comics in a performative way: How children use language, body, voice, and things in panel readings. L1-Educational Studies in Language and Literature, 24(3). https://doi.org/10.21248/l1esll.2024.24.3.625
Xavier, S. (2024). Re-thinking the normal through comics: in conversation with Ellen Forney. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, 16, 630 - 634. https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2024.2443098
Yani, A. (2021). Comic worksheets for integrated disaster risk reduction learning in the subject of Geography. Jàmbá : Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, 13. https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v13i1.1149
Yusuf, Yuzaila & Mohd Rashid, Syar & Nordin, Mohd & Yahya, Siti. (2025). Educational Comics As A Visual Medium: Potentials And Implications For Pupils With Learning Disabilities. International Journal of Modern Education. 7. 25. 10.35631/IJMOE.728004.
Zagkotas, V. (2025). Comics as Pedagogical Tools for Developing Emotional Intelligence in Primary Education: Theory, Practices, and Classroom Applications. Journal of Integrated Social Sciences and Humanities. https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v2i1.398.
Zega, Y. S. (2025). Effective strategies for enhancing English speaking competence among learners in English education study programs. Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies, 2(2), 88–100. https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v2i2.27
Zeng, Y. (2025). Study on Optimal Input Forms in Second Language Acquisition from the Perspective of Krashens Input Hypothesis. Communications in Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7064/2025.bo23961.
Zhao, Y., Zhu, K., Xu, H., Jun, Z., Zou, J., Li, R., & Wang, L. (2025). Enhancing Self-Disclosure Intensions in Mental Health Support: The Catalytic Effect of Chatbot Bubble Coloring, Moderated by Expressive Suppression and Mediated by Information Processing Fluency and Perceived Initial Trust. International
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Zanyar Nathir Ghafar, Omar Mohammad-Ameen Ahmad Hazaymeh, Yusuf Sarkingobir, Abubakar Muhammad Dikko, Aprianoto, Amrullah, Majid Wajdi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
(c) by Author(s)
