why do we watch horror films: the psychology nehind it

1. The psychology and theory of the
appeal of horror.

2.  At the basic level, horror is all about thrills
 We watch them to experience fear in a safe
environment, much like when you go on a
rollercoaster.

3.  This theory ties in closely with the safe fear
element of horror films
 It says that if the viewer has anger or fear
towards the antagonist, once the movie is over
they feel an amplified positive emotion.
 Susan Burggraf, psychology professor, said the
exaltation caused by excitation transfer results
in the “snuggle effect” - hence the reason why
horror movies are frequently considered to be
great for first dates.

4.  One of the highest recognised theorists, named
King, said
 “I think that we’re all mentally ill,” he writes.
“Those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better – and
maybe not all that much better, after all.”
 He says that horror movies are an outlet to
purge our insanity. Releasing our “Mr. Hyde”

5.  Researchers say one reason we watch is
because the thrill calls up primal behavior,
mainly in males, to assess threat levels. (The
typical horror-flick viewer is a male adolescent
between the ages of 15 and 45.)According to