Understanding the term “Horror movie”, its definition can be acknowledged as intellectual nourishment that seeks to elicit fear. It was like a flavor that has been added to make the dishes become more delicious, nutrition or subsistence to our body, and because of all the emotions, our brain perceived that forces us to become more emotional. Horror movies have existed for more than a century and it contains various genres such as comedy horror, action horror, psychological horror or disaster films, supernatural horror, and so on. The first horror movie called “The House of the Devil” was produced in the late 1890s. In addition, horror movies are proven to help increase physical and psychological benefits.
To begin with, horror movies alleviate psychological disorders. Owing to the development of society today, people tend to adjust their constitution in order to become more ingrate. Therefore, different kinds of damage are infected their cognition such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Horror movies are aimed to fix those issues. Firstly, the official website of the American Psychiatric Association (2013) states that “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.” depression causes people trapped inside their head, constantly thinking different things and can not concentrate on seemingly normal daily activities. Thus, a blogger (Clapsaddle, 2016, para. 8) expressed in his blog that his therapist suggested he watch horror movies instead of medicating himself. Also, his words claimed whilst watching horror movies get him absorbed in the scene, eliminated thoughts, and only focuses on what is happening in the movie. Similarly, anxiety disorders have also been treated that way. Anxiety is a feeling of worry and fear of small things that interfere with daily work, according to the National Insitute of Mental Health (2018). Horror movies are assisted you cope with worries. It gives you an opportunity to fight anxieties. In the article 'The shocking health benefits of horror films” the Medicareful living website cites Dr. Mathias Clasen who says:
Save your time!
We can take care of your essay
- Proper editing and formatting
- Free revision, title page, and bibliography
- Flexible prices and money-back guarantee
“Exposure to horror films can be gratifying when the negative emotions caused by the film are manageable. Moreover, there’s a psychological distance when we watch a horror film. We know it’s not real — at least, some parts of our brain know it isn’t real.”
The article also wrote that movie-induced anxiety has constructive affiliations with several parts of the brain. In short, horror movies are effective antidotes for treating anxiety.
Moreover, scary movies contributed to reducing stress. Since we are living in a world full of pressure that initiative people become more and more perfect every day, stress is a common phenomenon. We can simply assume horror movies as a pattern of 'good stress” says a reporter from the Time website. He also indicated Richard Mackenzie, author of the study, who is now at the University of Roehampton in London that “A stressful stimulus—in this case, a scary movie—causes the release of the hormone adrenaline, which cranks up the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response.” (Heid, 2017, para. 5). Indeed, it is not an atrocious decision to decide to watch a horror film after an exhausting day in order to release stress. Furthermore, overcoming our fear, of horror films has been a great contribution. Taking it from a writer on the health care website, she asked Paul J. Patterson, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and co-director of Medieval, Renaissance, and Reformation Studies at Saint Joseph’s University who said: 'The horror genre addresses our archetypal fears.” (Pietrangelo, 2013, para. 2) surely, it allows us to be prepared when the situation of our fear occurs. We may deceive our minds into thinking that we are capable of dealing with our dread. I believe with the assistance of horror movies, psychological disorders are no longer considered a threat to mentality.
Besides, physical also be enhanced by watching horror movies. Losing weight and boosting the immune system are two specific cases. Weight is always a heavy burden to some people, they find themselves getting wrapped in this issue. When it comes to losing weight, several methods were mentioned. However, did you know that you can lose some weight easily just by watching a horror movie? Certainly, a 90-minute scary film can burn up to 113 calories, which is the same as a 30-minute walk, discovered Researchers from the University of Westminster. It is just the average calorie loss which means there can be much higher due to the level of scariness in each movie. Also from this university, Dr. Richard Mackenzie explained:
… It is this release of fast-acting adrenaline, produced during short bursts of intense stress (or in this case, brought on by fear), which is known to lower the appetite, increase the basal metabolic rate, and ultimately burn a higher level of calories.
Because of this reason people need to be aware of the food included. While watching the movie, we usually added popcorn or sweets, this habit will decrease the number of weight loss. If we want to get the full benefit of this site, it might be best to avoid food. Likewise, a horror movie can actually give your immune system a boost, get healthier. According to Medicare Living which concluded a survey from the National Institutes of Health, they researched “leukocytes, which protect the body against both infectious disease and foreign invaders, ... [and] The scientists found that the first group had significant increases in leukocytes” (2017, para. 4). In simpler terms, only sitting and getting thrilled we are influenced different kind of advantages from horror movies on physical.
Additionally, watching horror movies ameliorated relationships. Sometimes it really solitary if we watch scary films alone, watching it with a friend or family would bring us closer because we are having a shared emotional experience. YouBeauty Co-founder Michael Roizen, M.D. Says “When we’re scared, our brains pump out the feel-good chemical dopamine, the same chemical we release when we’re infatuated with someone.” (Catalano, 2011, para. 2). Undoubtedly, confidence is also boosted and mood changes. The fact that people can gain their confidence through horror films is evaluated by Margee Kerr, a sociologist and author of Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear as she said that “When people make it through a safe yet scary activity it can lead to feeling confident like we have challenged our fears and overcome.” so, it not only boosts confidence but also get our mood changed. After hours of wallowing in the movie, we shall find ourselves happier, and more excited. Consider horror films as the “fear enjoyment”.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that horror films have brought us ample of advantages, from physical to psychological and social relationships. If we are under a lot of pressure and feel doubt about ourselves then this genre of movie is highly recommended. After all, we all need a distraction from our daily routine to keep our health in a better state. Let's seek the fullest benefits in horror movies as it was aimed to be beneficial. A tool that brings relaxation to humankind.
Stuck on your essay?
