Research conducted by the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark has found that watching horror movies can actually help ease anxiety and build emotional resilience. Co-director Mathias Clasen explains that playing with fear in recreational activities such as horror movies can be healthy for individuals. This finding is supported by the increase in box office shares for horror movies during the pandemic, as people turned to scary stories to cope with the uncertainties of reality.
The popularity of gore-filled horror movies this year, including record-breaking performances by films like Terrifier 3 and Smile 2, suggests that more people are seeking extreme forms of fear as a method of escapism from the anxieties of everyday life. Jump scares, a common feature in horror films, have been shown to elicit a universal startle response and even trigger laughter or relief in some viewers.
Individual fear responses are unique, with factors like belief in the supernatural and gender influencing how people react to different types of horror content. However, watching scary movies has been shown to not only provide a sense of joy and excitement but also potentially help individuals build psychological resilience.
In conclusion, horror movies are not just about cheap thrills and scares, but can actually have positive effects on mental health and emotional well-being. As the genre continues to dominate the box office and gain critical acclaim, it is clear that horror is having a big moment and is being recognized for its ability to provide solace and entertainment in times of uncertainty.
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