A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies

Horror movies can have negative psychological effects, but horror-expert Mathias Clasen delves into the psychological science of horror cinema to bust some of the worst myths and correct the biggest misunderstandings surrounding the genre. He reveals that horror movies can also help us confront and manage fear and often foster prosocial values.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Films about chainsaw killers, demonic possession, and ghostly intruders make some of us scream with joy. But while horror fans are attracted to movies designed to scare us, others shudder already at the thought of the sweat-drenched nightmares that terrifying movies often trigger. The fear of sleepless nights and the widespread beliefs that horror movies can have negative psychological effects and display immorality make some of us very, very nervous about them. But should we be concerned?

In this book, horror-expert Mathias Clasen delves into the psychological science of horror cinema to bust some of the worst myths and correct the biggest misunderstandings surrounding the genre. In short and highly readable chapters peppered with vivid anecdotes and examples, he addresses the nervous person's most pressing questions:

What are the effects of horror films on our mental and physical health? Why do they often cause nightmares? Aren't horror movies immoral and a bad influence on children and adolescents? Shouldn't we be concerned about what the current popularity of horror movies says about society and its values?

While media psychologists have demonstrated that horror films indeed have the potential to harm us, Clasen reveals that the scientific evidence also contains a second story that is often overlooked: horror movies can also help us confront and manage fear and often foster prosocial values.

The fear of horror movies is a widespread phobia that affects many people. While some may enjoy the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with watching a scary movie, others can experience intense anxiety, panic, and even nightmares. The fear of horror movies is often rooted in childhood experiences, such as seeing a scary scene in a movie or reading a horror story. These experiences can create a sense of fear and vulnerability that can persist into adulthood.

One of the main reasons why horror movies can cause nightmares is that they stimulate the brain's fear response. When we watch a scary movie, our brain releases a surge of adrenaline, which can increase our heart rate and blood pressure. This can trigger the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can disrupt our sleep patterns and cause nightmares.

In addition to the physical effects of horror movies, there are also psychological effects that can contribute to nightmares. The fear of horror movies can create a sense of anxiety and insecurity, which can lead to negative thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. This can in turn lead to nightmares that are filled with fear and anxiety.

Another psychological factor that can contribute to nightmares is the idea of escapism. When we watch a horror movie, we are transported to a different world, where we can escape from our daily problems and worries. This can create a sense of relief and relaxation, which can be disrupted by nightmares that bring us back to the reality of our fears and anxieties.

Despite the fear of horror movies, there are many benefits to watching them. Horror movies can be a form of entertainment that can provide a sense of escapism and relaxation. They can also be a way to confront and manage our fears and anxieties, by exposing us to different types of fear and helping us to develop coping strategies.

In conclusion, the fear of horror movies is a common phobia that can cause intense anxiety, panic, and even nightmares. While there are physical and psychological effects that can contribute to this fear, there are also benefits to watching horror movies. By understanding the science behind the fear of horror movies and developing coping strategies, we can enjoy the entertainment value of these movies while also managing our fears and anxieties.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197535905