The psychology of horror
Everyone knows horror is awesome. But is it a science...? This article, adapted from Psych Central, tries to answer this question in this editorial by Lauren Suval.
A 2011 post discusses how a longing to reclaim your imagination could be why some may gravitate toward those films. As we outgrow our fears from childhood, we may forego many superstitions for science-based explanations.
“There is a cost, however; life and our world of imagination is diminished and tamed into blandness,” author Stuart Fischoff said. “Life in technicolor has faded to life in black and white.”
The article states that childhood fears and thoughts of the supernatural still reside in our subconscious, like archetypes. These ‘movie monsters’ invite us to experience fearful emotions from a safe and secure remove. If it gets too real, we can choose to cover our eyes, or turn to the person next to us for comfort (if on a date, then all the more reason to initiate some good oldfashioned snuggling). We may revel in the fear, while simultaneously knowing that there is finality to the grueling two hours; there’s a sense of emotional separation, along with a barrier between you and the characters.
Personality factors also could justify horror movie gratification or repulsion as well. The article cites two opposing threat-related coping styles: repressors vs. sensitizers. “Some like to approach or confront, others prefer to avoid or deny,” Fischoff noted. “The former are more positively excited by scary movies than the latter.”
I personally identify with a majority of these aforementioned points, especially the ‘call to action’ in reigniting sparks of imagination, and the notion that pleasure can be embedded in fear and peaks of adrenaline, while offering just enough emotional distance. In terms of personality, I’m also one to confront when necessary. It’s probably good information to store away for the next creepy-viewing venture. In the dark, of course.