With Halloween just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by diving into the idea of "Horror as a Hobby" and exploring it further?
The 2002 horror film 'The Ring' captures the essence of fear by introducing a cursed videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die within seven days. The film, like many in the genre, triggers emotions such as fear, shock, and disgust, leading many to wonder why people enjoy horror despite its naturally negative emotions. This puzzle our simultaneous fear and fascination with horror has drawn the attention of experts like Mathias Clasen, who runs the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University. He aims to understand why some people are drawn to horror movies, haunted houses, and the thrill of fear. His findings highlight that the appeal of horror lies in its ability to spark excitement, challenge personal fears, and even promote self growth.
Why Do People Enjoy Horror?
Sociologist Margee Kerr from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that horror stimulates the nervous system, creating excitement without real danger. Watching a scary movie can give a sense of accomplishment after finishing it, which adds to its appeal. This aligns with Clasen’s research, where he surveyed over 250 American horror fans and identified three main types of horror enthusiasts:
1. Thrill Seekers: Fans who enjoy the rush of being scared and feel more energized during such experiences.
2. White Knucklers: These fans experience stress, anxiety, and even nightmares but continue watching horror movies to confront and understand their fears.
3. Dark Copers: People who use horror to cope with real life challenges, finding comfort in the fact that their lives seem manageable compared to what they see on screen.
When Clasen's team surveyed visitors at a haunted house in Denmark, they noticed similar patterns. Those addicted to adrenaline felt a surge of energy after the experience but didn’t always report personal growth. On the other hand, White Knucklers didn’t enjoy the experience as much but believed they learned something about themselves. Dark Copers found both emotional satisfaction and a sense of personal development.
Kerr’s research on adults visiting a haunted house in Pittsburgh showed similar results. Half of the visitors reported feeling better after their experience, especially those who actively faced their fears. The findings suggest that horror allows people to experience fear in a controlled setting, which is both exciting and empowering.
Who Likes Horror?
Interestingly, Clasen’s studies didn’t find a specific personality type that exclusively enjoys horror, although certain trends did emerge. People who scored high in thrill seeking were more likely to watch horror, as were men and younger individuals. However, these connections were minor, and there were nuances. For instance, while women have typically reported liking horror less than men, this might be influenced by stereotypes and social expectations rather than actual differences in fear tolerance.
The need for emotion a person’s overall desire for emotional experiences also plays a role. People with a strong need for it are more open to all kinds of emotions, whether positive or negative, which might make them more drawn to the emotional rollercoaster of horror movies.
Empathy and Enjoyment
Contrary to previous beliefs, empathy doesn’t necessarily relate to whether someone enjoys horror. A study by media expert Cynthia Hoffner found that while those with higher empathy may struggle to watch characters suffer, they also enjoy the thrill of danger. So, empathy can both enhance and hinder a viewer’s enjoyment of scary movies, depending on the context.
Horror as a Tool for Building Resilience
While horror movies can trigger fear, anxiety, and even nightmares in the short term, they don’t have a lasting negative effect on mental health, according to psychologist Christopher Ferguson. Instead, horror films provide a safe space for people to practice managing fear, potentially making them more resilient to real-life challenges. For instance, Clasen’s research found that horror fans reported lower levels of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and felt more prepared for lockdowns, suggesting that the genre may help people mentally prepare for real world crises.
Tips for Trying Horror
For those curious about the genre but hesitant, Kerr suggests approaching horror without judgment or preconceived notions. Monster movies, in particular, can be a good starting point because they clearly depict fictional threats. Writing your own scary script is another way to engage with fear safely, allowing individuals to creatively take control of their fears and anxieties.
In conclusion, horror serves many purposes: providing excitement, confronting fears, and offering opportunities for personal growth. The type of enjoyment people get from horror often depends on their personality, need for emotional experiences, and past encounters. Horror can work like a "fear vaccine," helping people build ways to handle stress and fear in both make-believe and real-life situations.