WATCHING a censored version of the 1973 movie The Exorcist, one of the most horrifying movies ever made. I was around 16 years old when I watched that movie on Halloween Eve, alone in my room, while people were sleeping. In the film, Linda Blair stars as a beautiful 12-year-old girl possessed by the devil, who takes on the characteristics and voices of others, before priests perform the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.
I remember just being completely shocked when I first watched it. I remember not wanting to close my eyes or look away for a minute because I wanted to know what would happen next. With Halloween comes scary movies such as the cult classics “The Exorcist,” “Saw,” “The Ring,” and “The Shining.” Ghosts and murderers fill my screens and dramatic music rings in my ears. What does our mind do when watching a horror movie?
The reason why some people find horror movies fun, while others find them terrifying, can be attributed to the Emotion Theory. It states that emotions are separable from physiological reactions to events. The sequence that they posit begins with a stimulus that triggers a bodily response, and as an individual experiences these physiological changes, this is also experienced as an emotion. So most people experience a rapid heartbeat and increased breaths. However, those who find horror movies enjoyable would compare the movie to a roller coaster ride: just an adrenaline rush. And those who find them terrifying would experience distress.
Horror movies can cause a wide variety of side effects, depending on the individual. I mean, people seek horror for thrill and adventure, but studies have found mental health benefits in viewing scary movies, including stress release, managing real-life fears, and gradually reducing the impact of stressors through exposure to danger and fear in a controlled environment.
So, we actually can get some mental health benefits by watching scary movies. However, horrors are not for everyone. While some people don’t tolerate the violence of slashers, some avoid horrors altogether as a possible emotional trigger. Although horror movies may positively impact mental health, it’s vital to be cautious while using them as a “coping” tool. In some cases, they may cause more harm than good. First, horror movies can negatively affect sensitive people and people with mental health problems, increasing stress, anxiety, panic, and depression. Second, horrific images can trigger uncontrollable thoughts and flashbacks. Third, there may be potentially traumatic or overly distressing scenes that can cause debilitating sensations and symptoms. Fifth, exposing yourself to your fears and practicing desensitization to the point of emotional numbness is counterproductive. Lastly, scary flicks can trigger nightmares, and stress hormones can make it harder to sleep.
I've been watching horror movies as a coping tool for years. This is also my way of coping with stress.
Just a reminder, keep in mind when watching horror films is your comfort. It is also important to evaluate your emotions and how you will be affected by what is on-screen, especially if you tend toward fear or anxiety.
You can always leave the room and pick up a book to read instead. All narratives have conflict, but it’s about picking the level that feels right for you at the time.
