Horror films found to boost mental resilience according to NTNU researcher in Norway

Jonathan Mortensen enjoys watching horror films and finds “jump scares” amusing. According to Christer Bakke Andresen, an assistant professor of film studies at NTNU, horror movies can be beneficial for mental health, potentially making viewers more resilient. Research indicates that having experience with horror films can provide advantages, particularly during challenging times, such as the pandemic.

Andresen compares the experience of watching horror films to engaging in play or storytelling around a campfire. He emphasizes that horror allows viewers to confront frightening situations safely, which can impart important life lessons. The capacity to empathize is also enhanced through horror films, as they let us immerse ourselves in unfamiliar worlds, characters, and experiences.

As Halloween approaches, many children are gearing up for trick-or-treating, donning both scary and less frightening costumes. While some, like Mortensen, look forward to watching horror films, others, such as Thomas Slørdal, prefer different genres. Slørdal admits he’s not keen on horror movies, while his friend Sigurd Sæveraas argues that they are entertaining and invigorating.

Despite differing opinions, Andresen notes that horror is a popular genre worldwide. He appreciates the thrill associated with horror films, describing the experience as stepping into worlds that are typically outside of our everyday lives. Ultimately, watching horror provides a unique way to experience fear while being in a safe environment, whether in a theater or at home.