2023-10-31 17:00:37
Horror films have always been popular with thrill-seekers. They are designed to instill fear and anxiety in viewers. But what is actually happening in our bodies when we watch a movie that scares us? Halloween is coming soon, October 31st, it’s the night of the year when we love to be scared. Here are the physiological and emotional effects of fear on the human body.
The experience of fear
Fear is a powerful, primitive emotion that evolved to help us deal with potential threats and dangers. When we are faced with a scary situation, our body reacts in different ways to prepare us to face the threat.
The flight or fight response
When we watch a horror movie, certain parts of our brain perceive the threat as real and activate our body’s flight-or-fight response. Our heart begins to beat faster, increasing our heart rate and blood pressure, and our breathing speeds up to send oxygen to our body in preparation for action. Our muscles may tense in anticipation of having to flee or confront the threat.
This acute stress response can provide a feeling of thrill, helping us feel more alive and engaged with our surroundings. Fear can trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol, the body’s stress hormones. Our brains also release endorphins and dopamine due to stimulation. Endorphins are hormones that relieve pain and stress, while dopamine is a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood.
After a horror movie, these hormones can make us feel relief and even reward for having “survived” the experiencemaking it a positive stressor.
Effects on heart health
For most people, the temporary fear response does not pose a threat to heart health. Once the adrenaline has worn off, feelings of fear should diminish. However, for those with underlying cardiovascular issues, the heightened physiological response to fear in horror films may be concerning. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns regarding this.
Therapeutic benefits of fear
Beyond entertainment and adrenaline, horror films can also serve as a controlled means of confronting fears and anxieties. For example, if you are afraid of spiders, you might find it easier to deal with the actual presence of spiders following watching a movie regarding giant spiders. Horror movies can act as a sort of “reset” for your emotions.
According to a study led by Coltan Scrivner, PhD, a behavioral scientist at the Recreational Fear Laboratory at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, horror provides a controlled and predictable space to experience fear and anxiety, especially for people who feel like they have to hide their feelings.
Unlike anxiety that arises from the real world, anxiety induced by horror fiction is rooted in a clear source, is more easily manageable, and has a set duration. This can allow viewers to face their own fears and anxieties in a controlled and safe way.
The euphoric effect of fear
If you like horror movies, a good scare can give you a euphoric feeling similar to what you would feel following intense aerobic exercise. The physiological changes that occur following a horror movie can be similar to the feeling of a “high” from exercise.
Some studies suggest that neurochemical reactions that occur during a frightening experience may be similar to those that occur during strenuous exercise. The release of endorphins and dopamine can not only relieve pain and stress, but also improve our overall mood.
The residual effects of fear
However, if you feel intense fear regarding horror movies, you may experience residual stress or anxiety. You may have difficulty turning off the fear response, which can lead to trouble sleeping or persistent feelings of anxiety. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
To be retained
Horror films can provoke a variety of physiological and emotional reactions in viewers. The fear induced by these films can provide a controlled and safe experience for coping with one’s fears and anxieties. Additionally, feelings of fear can trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, providing a feeling of relief and reward following the experience. However, it is important to consider our own limits and not force ourselves to watch something that makes us uncomfortable or causes us anxiety.
If you’re curious regarding the horror genre but are scared, you can start with less scary movies and watch with a friend to feel safer. Ultimately, it is important to take care of our emotional well-being and not expose ourselves to situations that cause us undue stress.
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