From Frankenstein to A Nightmare on Elm Street, it seems humanity has always had a morbid fascination with horror stories. However, the horror genre is always a bringer of bad feelings; grotesque imagery, graphic violence, and eerie monsters invoke a sense of paranoia or dread in almost all audiences. Consequently, we have to ask ourselves: what is it about these terrifying tales that we find so intriguing? How can we explain our fixation with the macabre?
Like all stories, we seek mental stimulation and entertainment in horror. Exposure to horrifying situations can bring both anxiety and excitement—a negative and a positive reaction. This allows the body to release adrenaline, heightening the senses and creating energy surges.
According to this Johns Hopkins article, horror lovers view the genre through certain frames. When viewers are aware that what they are seeing isn’t real and that they are detached from the story, they can experience the adrenaline rush without feeling like they’re in danger. For many, an eerie tale can bring the emotions and sensations that come from being in danger without bringing any of the negative effects of actually being put in a stressful situation.
Horror stories can also give a glimpse into an alternative world. Zombie apocalypses, thrilling ghost stories, and supernatural serial killers pose intriguing, novel concepts to an audience. It can be enjoyable or even relaxing to dive into a world so different from our own; on an NPR podcast, fear researcher Coltan Scrivner states that some people use dark, morbid stories to cope with rough emotional states they may be experiencing.
So if the love of fear seems to be ingrained in some people, why are others completely repulsed by the horror genre? Of course, personal taste is a big contributing factor. However, there are some links between one’s personality and their response to horror. A study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that those who are more empathetic have a more negative response to horror—through disgust, sadness, or reluctance to watch.
As well as a link to empathy, a person’s reaction to the grotesque also relates to their openness as a person. Unsurprisingly, those who are more willing to experience new things are usually more in tune with the horror genre. As it turns out, the answer to whether a person loves or hates horror can say some interesting things about their personality.
Creepy Halloween stories can be thrilling for many for a plethora of reasons. Whether they provide an adrenaline rush, a look into a vastly unique world, or a coping mechanism, diving into a frightening book or movie can be the perfect way to celebrate Halloween. No matter what your thoughts or reactions to the genre are, this season is the perfect time to grab a hot drink, get together with friends, and watch a movie—of any kind.
