The Psychological Appeal of Disturbing Horror: Unraveling the Comforting Fascination

As Halloween approaches, it is the perfect time to explore why certain individuals find unsettling and disturbing horror so oddly comforting. The answer to this question goes beyond what initially meets the eye.

From my earliest recollections, I have always been captivated by the morbid and eerie. One of my vivid memories as a young child is hiding behind a blanket while watching "American Werewolf in London," shrieking at David's nightmarish visions with fangs. This experience instantly hooked me. It was followed by "Child's Play" and "Candyman," and eventually more intense and serious horror films. These movies took the place of fairy tales in my imagination during my youth, as I would have much preferred to imagine myself as a vampire rather than a princess.

By the age of 11, I possessed a small book featuring stories about serial killers that I would bring with me to school, and A Clockwork Orange became a recurring favorite. As I grew older, while most sought solace in romantic comedies or action-packed Marvel films, I found solace in peacefully drifting off to sleep to the chilling sounds of screams. An array of disturbing films, including Climax, Martyrs, The Human Centipede, and Ichi the Killer, consistently found their place in my Sunday night lineup.

What is the reason behind my enjoyment of these titles, especially when they repulse and disgust so many others? Over the years, I have encountered numerous individuals who share my taste, and it appears that we all acknowledge something inexplicably captivating about the macabre. It is often said that one person's trash is another person's treasure, and when it comes to movies and TV shows, the most precious gems in my collection are undeniably unsettling. But why does this genre hold such comfort for some? Let us delve into the reasons that make it so appealing for those who appreciate it.

Real trauma, meets fictional trauma

Personally, horror movies – whether they are comedic or deeply unsettling – actually aid me in processing past trauma. It is worth noting that this may have the opposite effect on certain individuals. Exposing oneself to the darker aspects of existence, whether real or fictional, can potentially intensify pain. However, on the other hand, it can also offer solace by affording the viewer a chance to cope with distressing experiences within a controlled setting.

When we indulge in a movie or tune into a horror or true crime podcast, we willingly suspend our disbelief. We consciously acknowledge that what we are consuming is not real or does not pertain to our current reality, allowing us the freedom to engage with these narratives from a secure distance. It is an orchestrated encounter with danger; an exhilarating journey of emotions devoid of any repercussions in the real world. Within this controlled environment, our minds can process fear, trauma, anger, and uncertainty in a manner that can be therapeutic.

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Sometimes, when I feel completely powerless in the face of life's events, I find solace in pressing the play button and experiencing a sense of composure. Whether it's laughter, tears, anger, or fear, allowing myself to feel these emotions brings about a release, one that I am in control of. The notion that horror movies provide a cathartic release is not simply a matter of personal opinion. Experts have been supporting this idea since the genre's inception.

Going all the way back to 1958, Dr. Martin Grotjahn, the late psychoanalyst and psychiatry professor at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, proposed the following hypothesis (as stated by Time magazine): "Certain childhood anxieties never fade. The fear of ghosts, witches, darkness, and all things sinister and terrifying continues to linger during adolescence. To overcome these fears, there are three methods: psychoanalysis, nightmares, and horror movies. In horror movies, old childhood anxieties are triggered, given life and a sense of reality on the screen, and eventually dispelled."

Getting high off horror

In actuality, I suffer from anxiety and depression dating back to my childhood. Surprisingly, horror has become an unconventional remedy for me. Whenever I experience nerves prior to a social gathering or work event, watching a gripping or unsettling film beforehand peculiarly boosts my self-assurance. Likewise, although it may appear peculiar to some, the titles within this genre seem to strengthen my overall resilience towards the unpredictable nature of life.

Watching a horror film can make some people feel on edge, but it has the opposite effect on me. Engaging with horror can be like emotional weightlifting, pushing us to our emotional and psychological limits and increasing our resilience. Over time, this repeated exposure can desensitize us to certain stimuli, making us better equipped to handle real-life stressors.

There is scientific reasoning behind this phenomenon. Research cited by Psi Chi explains that our body's autonomic nervous system is composed of two parts: the sympathetic nervous system, which helps us prepare for dangerous situations, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us relax in safe situations.

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While observing something eerie or unsettling, even if there is no actual physical threat involved, it can still trigger our sympathetic nervous system, leading to the secretion of dopamine and endorphins. This might result in a false sense of exhilaration for certain viewers. "By engaging in the viewing of a frightening film, the brain perceives it as a successful survival of a scary situation, despite the understanding that one was never truly at risk," the statement explains. "Experiencing a controlled and secure spooky scenario can assist in fostering self-assurance."

After the fake threat subsides, the parasympathetic nervous system may activate, triggering a calming response commonly referred to as the "rest and digest" reaction. This process, although seemingly contradictory, can be especially beneficial for individuals, including myself, who are already experiencing heightened anxiety. As stated in the article, those suffering from anxiety or PTSD often feel constantly on edge or in a state of panic, making the post-panic sense of relaxation particularly appealing.

It is important to reiterate that watching horror films may have the opposite effect on individuals with anxiety or other conditions. Therefore, it is not advisable to force oneself to endure a Hereditary/Midsommar double feature if it does not align with one's inclination.

Sheer escapism

Indeed, let us not misunderstand – the pleasure derived from chilling entertainment is often a simple form of escapism. In a world overwhelmed with daily pressures, obstacles, and monotony, movies provide a means to retreat from reality. While some may prefer mindless distractions akin to No Hard Feelings or Barbie dolls, I find myself captivated by the sight of Art the Clown peeling a person like a banana. Horror films, with their gripping atmospheres and high stakes, offer a profound immersion that few other genres can rival.

They transport the viewer to a world where the rules of reality don’t apply, and where daily worries are either a) momentarily forgotten or b) put into perspective. Which brings me on to my next point: seeing the bigger picture. No matter what I’m going through in life, none of it compares to, say, battling malevolent spirits or the zombie apocalypse. This shift in perspective can be genuinely therapeutic; a stark reminder that things could always be worse. 

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This does not diminish genuine personal problems, but it provides a larger perspective in which they can be seen. It is a refreshing viewpoint that allows us to temporarily minimize our troubles and leave the movie theater with a renewed feeling of appreciation and comfort.

Once again, it should be noted that not everyone shares this perspective. However, even those who do not may gain a better understanding of why certain people are attracted to the darker aspects of life. In a world where real horrors exist, fictional terror offers a peculiar source of solace. And within that contradiction lies the lasting enchantment of horror.

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