The psychology behind horror entertainment – InForum

Just like many things in life, there is a psychology behind horror movies and why some people are so drawn to them, while others stay away from them. It has to do with things such as adrenaline, fight-or-flight responses, and certain biological reactions to fear.

First and foremost, the horror genre is a way for many people to receive an adrenaline rush. These thrills stem from “the physical and emotional release that follows scary situations,” according to

Seeker

, a division of Discovery. Naturally, some people have more adrenaline-seeking personalities than others, meaning that they seek out situations and genres that will fill them with adrenaline.

According to psychologist Glenn D. Walters, in an article published by

Concordia University St. Paul

, three main factors contribute to the appeal of horror entertainment: tension, relevance, and unrealism.

Producers and directors create tension by including elements of mystery, suspense, gore, terror, and shock.

Horror films resonate with audiences by tapping into universal fears like death and the unknown, or by reflecting current social issues. Viewers often connect personally with the narrative by identifying with the protagonist and developing an aversion to the antagonist.

Horror viewers understand that what they are watching is not real. Filmmakers utilize specific camera angles, lighting, subtle humor, and soundtracks to tap into the psychology of fear, thereby reinforcing the artificiality of the experience and, in turn, creating a more enjoyable experience for viewers.

Horror movies often trigger the human fight-or-flight response. The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or danger. Adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine come with the fight-or-flight response. The brain then assesses the environment and determines there is no real danger. This awareness of personal safety is one reason why some people love watching horror movies. As written in an article published by

Concordia University St. Paul

, sociologist Margee Kerr states that this is partially due to a phenomenon called excitation transfer. “After an accelerated heart rate, heavy breathing, and other physical reactions to fear wear off, viewers experience intense relief,” the article states. Because of this extreme relief, people’s brains are essentially flooded with “feel-good chemicals.”

According to Glenn Sparks, a professor at Purdue University, 10% of the population deeply enjoys the adrenaline rush that comes with the horror genre. Sparks notes that some viewers find horror deeply upsetting due to their difficulty in “screening out unwanted stimuli,” leading to negative psychological reactions.

Fear triggers an automatic chain reaction in the brain, starting with stressful stimuli and culminating in the fight-or-flight response. This complex process involves numerous cognitive functions due to the brain’s continuous information transfer.

Concordia University St. Paul

states:

• The thalamus determines where incoming sensory data should be sent in the body. 
• The sensory cortex interprets this sensory data.
• The hippocampus can store and retrieve memories and process stimuli to give context. 
• The amygdala determines possible threats and “decodes emotions” while storing fear memories. 
• The hypothalamus activates the fight-or-flight response. 

All of these parts work together to recognize and respond to fear. But on top of that, psychological components also drive people to seek out horror entertainment.

There have been several studies done over the years to understand why the horror genre is so widely popular. Some of the theories found include:

• Excitation transfer: According to this theory, individuals who experience an emotional reaction to horror derive greater enjoyment from the resolution of threats.
• Individual empathy: Professor Ron Tamborini suggests that individuals with lower levels of empathy tend to enjoy horror films more. He presumes that highly empathetic viewers may dislike horror films due to their negative reactions to the suffering of others.
• Sensation-seeking: Those who seek out horror films may be looking to stimulate their senses. Research suggests a correlation between these viewers and increased aggression.

Fear is far more than a primal reaction. While some recoil at the intensity of horror, others chase the adrenaline, finding comfort in the controlled chaos of a good scare. Horror may unsettle, shock, or terrify, but it also reminds us of our resilience and our brain’s ability to differentiate true danger from fictional danger. When the lights come back on and the credits roll, the fear fades, leaving behind a rush that is safe and contained. The horror genre has been around for centuries, and it is projected to remain relevant in popular culture for decades to come.

Adria Peters began her position with Forum Communications Company as Audience Engagement Specialist in June 2024. Readers can reach Adria by email at [email protected].