One reason we consume horror is to experience stimulation. Exposure to terrifying acts, or even the anticipation of those acts, can stimulate us — both mentally and physically — in opposing ways: negatively (in the form of fear or anxiety) or positively (in the form of excitement or joy).
Not surprisingly, some research indicates that people with a higher sensation-seeking trait and those who are more open to new experiences tend to seek out and enjoy horror-related experiences more. Additionally, if you have more empathy, you tend to react more negatively to what happens in horror shows.
People with anxiety are more likely to be negatively affected by horror movies. Chronic anxiety increases sensitivity to startle stimuli, the researchers explain. As a result, it makes people who are already stressed and anxious more likely to react negatively.
Many people watch horror, possibly unknowingly, for the heightened senses it gives them. We usually gain heightened senses from two different reactions: positive ones (excitement, exhilaration, e.g. trying to sleep on Christmas Eve) and negative ones (fear, anxiety, e.g. getting lost in the mall).
So why do we like it? It is a combination of an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to learn about dealing with scary situations in a safe environment, researchers say.
Different types of psychopathy are related to horror movie preference as well as things like violent sports (and an aversion to romance, pop music and non-violent sports). However, you don't need to be a psychopath to enjoy horror cinema.
When we watch a horror movie, it stimulates the brain and it responds with the physical and emotional sensations we call fear. And believe it or not, for some people, this is a lot of fun. After the initial shock of the scare has sunk into our brains, our higher thinking processes then kick in.
Watching horrific images can trigger unwanted thoughts and feelings and increased levels of anxiety or panic, and even increase our sensitivity to startle-eliciting stimuli, making those of us who are anxious more likely to respond negatively and misinterpret the sensations as real threats.
“When kids are exposed to excessively scary movies, images, or even haunted houses, they tend to have some of the symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” Dr. Scanlon explained. The phenomenon of being scared is an experience that all humans can relate to, according to Dr. Scanlon.
Although horror movies may positively impact mental health, it's vital to be cautious while using them as a “coping” tool. In some cases, they may cause more harm than good: Horror movies can negatively affect sensitive people and people with mental health problems, increasing stress, anxiety, panic, and depression.
While there is no chapter and verse in Scripture saying horror movies are sinful for Christians to watch; it would be incredibly unwise and even dangerous for believers to partake in films that make light of the demonic and make it look entertaining.
Mostly likely not. However, extreme fear can cause a heart attack in very rare cases. This phenomenon is called fear-induced stress cardiomyopathy, or broken heart syndrome.
Watching horror movies excessively may desensitize individuals to violence and frightening imagery, which could influence their perception of risk and danger. This desensitization might lead some individuals to seek out increasingly extreme or risky experiences, including substance use.
Horror fans can be classified along three dimensions: Adrenaline Junkies, White Knucklers, and Dark Copers. Dark copers are a newly-identified type of horror fans, who use horror to cope with problems like feelings of anxiety. Adrenaline junkies get a mood boost from the intense experiences of horror.
If you suffer from OCD, I imagine they may make you uncomfortable. However, the experience of watching horror films can be a useful analogy in understanding OCD as well as how and why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is effective.
“dark copers”: people who report that “watching scary movies helps them control negative emotions of anxiety and depression that might arise from thinking about the more difficult aspects of life”.
Horror entertainment can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which comes with a boost in adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine. The brain can then process surroundings and conclude that the experience is not a genuine threat. This knowledge of personal safety is one reason horror fans habitually watch scary movies.
For some viewers who have anxiety or trauma, horror movies only make matters worse. But for others, horror can help provide relief from pent-up tension.
Studies indicate that a 90-minute session of horror viewing can help burn up to 150 calories, akin to a brisk half-hour jog or walk. This revelation stemmed from a study by researchers at the University of Westminster, which observed heightened heart and metabolic rates during horror movie-watching sessions.
You're all excited and the dopamine – a neurotransmitter that affects how we feel pleasure – leads to an increased level of testosterone.” Jacqui Pugh, who works as a coach for Relationship Hero, agreed that feelings of adrenaline are heightened when seeing a scary movie.
Scanlon said those people might be drawn to true crime television shows or podcasts, scary books or horror movies so they can experiencce those emotions. Humans have a system in the body known as the sympathetic nervous system that is programmed to feel and to deal with fear.
“There is no true release until a sense of safety has been re-established. Then the relief can be huge.” While watching a horror movie, the release is felt when the conflict is positively resolved – usually when evil is defeated – and our brain releases endorphins, stress-relief hormones, to relax us.
Try to distract your mind and shift your focus away from anything that you find unsettling. Put your mind at ease by watching a comedy, reading a book, or listening to relaxing music - whatever best suits you.
Key points. Some people avoid horror movies because of genre prejudice. Some people avoid horror movies because they dislike the stimulation. There may be individual variation in “the sweet spot of fear,” but more research is needed on this topic.
