The Catharsis of Scary Movies

Hey there, I'm Dr. Jodi Aman, and welcome back to Ask Dr. Jodi podcast. Today, we’re exploring why so many people are drawn to horror movies—and whether watching them can actually be a therapeutic release. I’ll be joined by my daughter, Lily, as we dive into the psychology of scary films, catharsis, and why some of us find comfort in the thrill of fear while others don’t.

Episode Summary

In this intriguing episode, Dr. Jodi Aman and her daughter, Lily, examine the allure and psychology behind horror movies. Together, they discuss how horror can serve as a form of catharsis, offering a release from stress and anxiety, particularly for those who process trauma or enjoy a good scare. With references to Aristotle's concept of catharsis and Lily’s personal insights, they delve into why some people are drawn to scary films while others avoid them. The episode also unpacks the role empathy plays in our responses to horror, the healing benefits of shared emotional experiences, and how art—whether a scary movie or a Greek tragedy, can mirror our deepest emotions.

Listeners who experience anxiety, are interested in mental health, or enjoy exploring psychological phenomena will find this episode both engaging and relatable.

Key Takeaways

• Catharsis Through Horror:Watching horror movies can provide a safe space to experience fear, helping some people release anxiety and process trauma in a controlled environment.
• Empathy and Fear Responses:People with high empathy may experience intense reactions to horror, while others view these films as fiction, affecting their level of emotional engagement.
• Art as Therapy:Storytelling and drama, whether through a film or theater, can help individuals process emotions, connect with others, and find meaning in their experiences.
• Importance of Shared Experiences:Watching movies, especially horror, with others can create bonds, increase empathy, and provide a shared emotional outlet.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Watch the video of this episode at the blog:hhttps://jodiaman.com/blog/how-horror-movies-help-heal/
• Lily's Instagram @c.lily_amanand TikTok@c.lilyaman
• Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel:@DoctorJodi
• Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide:jodiaman.com/guide
• Redirect Positive Mindset Cardsjodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
• EnCompass SEL Class Activityjodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
• Anxiety,I'm So Done with You!Book

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal!  

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About Dr. Jodi: 

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find hundreds of self-help videos on YouTube @doctorjodi. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and relationship advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Advice that helps you breathe a sigh of relief.

You’ll discover that your brain is not broken...that, whatever you are feeling, it is understandable. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. But that doesn’t mean you are destined to stay like this. You can get better. And we're here to help.

We cover topics that you and those you love are dealing with every day, helping you understand the problem, yourself, and other people so you have the information you need to heal, shift beliefs, get relief, set strong limits, let go, and act in a way that helps you and those you love FEEL BETTER.

I’m your host, Dr. Jodi. I've worked for 28 years as a psychotherapist, so I've seen and understood the nuances of human behavior and relationships from a rare perspective inside people’s minds and emotions. Together, we’ll discover how you are much  more  amazing than you think you are by building your confidence and accelerating your healing journey.

We livestream this show on YT every Monday at 8 PM E, @doctrojodi, so follow me there so you can participate in the conversation. We do live coaching on air, and you can get personalized advice for your situation. You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, gain practical tips, and hear from relatable guests who will show you how to get rid of worry, strengthen your emotional bandwidth, and create a happy, purposeful life.