Neuropsychologist and study author Kristen Knowles explains that horror films trigger the release of relaxation-related chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. This response creates sensations of pleasure and ease, which, according to the research, can help reduce the perception of pain.
The expert notes that, beyond the effects of pain-relieving hormones, horror films also work by capturing attention and diverting energy. “Focus shifts to assessing threats, drawing resources away from other bodily functions,” she told The Herald.
Horror Movies as Emotional Training for Stressful Situations
The study also suggests that horror movies help people handle extreme or stressful situations. “They act as emotional training. When facing a fictional threat, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, boosting heart rate and alertness. Once the tension ends, the resulting relief is genuine,” she explained.
Highlighting the benefits of the genre, Knowles points out that fans studied in previous research showed greater psychological resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, likely because they were accustomed to regularly experiencing intense—but fictional—stressful situations.
Read the original article on: Terra
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