Study Shows Horror Films Can Soothe Your Anxiety – Expert Decodes

Horror films have a huge fanbase. Many people watch it for the adrenaline rush and thrill that they get from these movies. Are you also one of them who loves horror movies, and even seeks comfort from the dark, gory and paranormal? If these films help you calm down and relieve anxiety, then fret not – you are not the odd-one-out. What if we tell you many studies have shown that horror movies actually help relieve stress and anxiety. If you don’t believe us, then you have to read this article till the very end.

To get an expert view on this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Ambarish Ghosh, Consultant Psychiatrist, CMRI Hospital Kolkata. Let’s take a look at what he had to say about this.

What Is The Study On Horror Movies All About?

Recently, Mathias Clasen – the co-founder of the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark – led a research. It showed that seeking out scares for sport — for instance, watching a horror film or visiting a haunted house — is associated with greater resilience among adults and, when age-appropriate, a lower risk for childhood anxiety. This is not the first time such a study came to the fore. Earlier too, multiple studies have shown how horror films can soothe our mind, and help in stress and anxiety relief.

One such study revealed that people who regularly watch horror movies were more resilient and psychologically prepared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers discovered that watching horror films can create a controlled environment, where one can activate their fight-or-flight response without real-world consequences. This is said to be better than panicking over a school or work assignment a day before it’s due. This concept is called a ‘contained trigger.’ This means when one relieves day-to-day stress and anxiety in a controlled environment.

Can Horror Movies Actually Reduce Anxiety?

Now that we know what these studies claim, it’s time to verify it from our expert – can horror films actually help relieve stress and anxiety? “Yeah! Sure it can for certain individuals. Think of it as a controlled simulation. Your body gets that rush of adrenaline, but your brain knows you're safe on the couch. You get the thrill and the rush, and then you get the satisfaction of the threat being over. It's an emotional workout that leaves you feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment after the end,” explains Dr Ghosh.

Can Horror Movies Calm You Down?

Many people claim that horror movies help them calm down. What is the reason behind this? “There's a lot going on here. First, it's a massive distraction from your own worries. When a masked killer is chasing someone on screen, your brain doesn't have much room to focus on your own problems. Second, there's a huge feeling of control. You can pause the movie or turn it off whenever you want. That sense of control over something scary can be very empowering,” shares Dr Ghosh.

Also Read: Are You Thrilled By Haunted Houses, Roller Coasters And Horror Movies? This Halloween, Expert Shares Why

Watching Horror Movies and Mental Health Conditions

One question that might have crossed your mind is: should people who are struggling with mental health conditions watch horror films?

“It really depends on the person. If you're someone who is sensitive to physical sensations of anxiety or prone to panic attacks, a horror film could be a bad idea. It could trigger a panic attack. But for people who are already working on their anxiety and other psychological issues in therapy, it may help build resilience,” answers Dr Ghosh.

Do Horror Movies Feel Comforting?

Dr Ghosh shares that for some, horror movies may feel comforting, but such is not the case for everyone. “For someone who is depressed, seeing a movie character in a truly awful situation can sometimes put their own struggles into perspective. It can also be a way to feel something intense when they're feeling numb. The trick is to not overdo it. Too much of anything, including horror movies, can become unhealthy,” says Dr Ghosh.

Tips To Cope With Anxiety

Anxiety is extremely common in today’s world. People of all age groups are dealing with it. “There isn't one single thing that triggers everyone. It could be a major life event, chronic stress, or even just what you're eating and drinking,” shares Dr Ghosh, speaking about what triggers anxiety.

The expert shares some golden tips to cope with anxiety. He says, “The best ways to cope are to find what works for you. This could be exercise, meditation, getting enough sleep, cutting back on caffeine, or journaling. And remember, therapy is always a great option. A professional can give you personalized tools to handle those anxious thoughts.”

Also Read: Do You Feel Anxious After Checking Your Phone? Expert Shares Why and Tips To Avoid

The Final Word

Many studies have shown that horror movies help relieve stress and anxiety. Expert says that watching horror films is like an emotional workout that leaves you feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment after the end. But too much of anything, including horror movies, can become unhealthy.