JOURNAL ARTICLE

Psychology and Neurobiology of Horror Movies.

  • Published In: Projections: The Journal for Movies & Mind, 2024, v. 18, n. 2. P. 37 1 of 3

  • Database: Art Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Nummenmaa, Lauri 3 of 3

Abstract

This article covers the neurobiological and psychological aspects of horror movies. Cinema audiences are not exposed to real threats, thus the movie should pass the brain's "reality check" systems and emotion regulation to engage the fear responses. This is achieved through vicarious simulation, proximity of threats, and unpredictability of the fearful events, and using universal sources of fear such as illness or isolation. Paradoxical appeal of horror movies stems from universal curiosity toward morbid and threatening subjects, mixing of emotions of fear and excitement in the brain, and the capability to learn about dangerous situations safely in the context of movies. These findings are summarized in a conceptual model for eliciting fear through cinema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Projections: The Journal for Movies & Mind. 2024/06, Vol. 18, Issue 2, p37
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1934-9688
  • DOI:10.3167/proj.2024.180203
  • Accession Number:181832033
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Projections: The Journal for Movies & Mind is the property of Berghahn Books and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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