EKU professor says family history could help determine your reaction to horror films
Originally published by WEKU.
Halloween has come and gone, but scary times on the movie screen remain. Just as how there’s no a season for horror movies, there’s not one definite viewer reaction.
Eastern Kentucky University Psychology Professor Jon Gore said most horror movies are aimed at creating a sense of threat. And that’s what can increase the heart rate and sense of fear. Gore said an understanding of this media form doesn’t necessarily relieve anxiety.
“Even if you can rationalize it away and go it’s just a movie, it’s not gonna get me, it’s not gonna happen, but your emotions are not able to really rationalize that as well, so it just kind of lingers,” said Gore.
As far as fear of horror films running in the family, Gore said neuroticism is one of the most heritable personality traits. He noted a little over 50% of the personality trait can be linked to some genetic component. And Gore added threats posed to far distant ancestors may play a role in horror film reactions.
Still, reactions can vary. Gore makes the analogy to riding a roller coaster and whether it’s an adventure or fright.
“So, it’s like some people get off the roller coaster or they’re on the roller coaster and they absolutely hate it because it’s terrifying and other people feel the same rush of physiological arousal, but they see it as sort of exciting. So, it’s the same thing with people watching horror movies,” said Gore.
And as far as the influence of horror slasher movies, Gore said media violence can cause people to become more aggressive, but probably not in the same way as portrayed on the screen. The Eastern professor said a lack of empathy for others, poor impulse control, and access to weapons are considered more primary factors.
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Originally published by WEKU.
Republished with permission.
