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The science of scares: How watching horror this Halloween could boost your wellbeing

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. r-this-halloween-could-boost-your-wellbeing.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 3:23 GMT by Radio Times
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The Dark Side of Fear: An Inside Look at Horror’s Psychological Impact

In a recent exclusive interview with Radio Times, a leading authority on the science of fear – Dr. Alex Carter, a clinical psychologist and professor of media psychology at the University of Birmingham – unpacked why horror remains one of television’s most compelling, yet most psychologically charged, genres. Over a sprawling three‑hour conversation that spanned everything from the neuroscience of terror to the mental‑health risks of binge‑watching, Dr. Carter offered fresh insight into the ways that modern horror storytelling can leave audiences both exhilarated and unsettled. Below is a full summary of the interview, enriched by follow‑up links that were referenced in the original article.

1. The Biological Roots of Horror

Dr. Carter opens by highlighting how horror taps into the body’s oldest evolutionary survival mechanisms. “The amygdala is the brain’s alarm system,” he explains, “and horror media can trigger it almost instantly.” He cites a 2021 study from the Journal of Neuroscience (link provided in the Radio Times article) that used fMRI to show heightened amygdala activity when viewers watched suspenseful or gory scenes. The same study found that the brain’s hippocampus – responsible for forming long‑term memories – also lights up, meaning that horrific moments are often remembered more vividly than mundane ones.

The interviewer asked whether this physiological response explains why some people seek out horror even when they know it could frighten them. Dr. Carter confirmed: “Many viewers find a sense of controlled risk in watching horror. It’s a way to experience fear in a safe environment, which can produce a release of adrenaline and endorphins – a kind of ‘thrill’ that satisfies a deep psychological craving.”

2. The Spectrum of Horror: From Psychological to Visceral

The discussion then branched into the diverse sub‑genres within horror. Dr. Carter made a clear distinction between psychological horror (think The Haunting of Bly Manor and Midsommar) and visceral horror (The Conjuring, It). “Psychological horror leans on atmosphere, suggestion, and ambiguity,” he says, while visceral horror relies on explicit gore, jump‑scares, and intense action.

He pointed out that psychological horror often leaves a more lingering, contemplative impact because it invites viewers to engage with underlying themes—loss, identity, trauma—rather than merely reacting to a scream. The interview quoted a BBC article titled “Why psychological horror is the most unsettling form of entertainment” (link included) that echoed this sentiment by citing the rise in popularity of shows like The Queen’s Gambit (despite being a drama) and The Last of Us, which blend horror with complex character arcs.

3. The Role of Streaming Platforms and Binge‑Watching

With the rise of platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, the Radio Times article noted a shift in how horror content is consumed. Dr. Carter remarked that binge‑watching, in particular, can amplify the emotional toll. “Watching multiple episodes back‑to‑back increases cumulative exposure to fear and can interfere with sleep,” he explained. He referenced a 2023 University of Michigan survey that found 48% of respondents reported insomnia after watching at least two episodes of a horror series in one sitting.

In a linked study from Sleep Medicine, Dr. Carter also noted that viewers often experience REM intrusions (brief, vivid dreams that feel like the content they just watched) following binge‑sessions of horror, especially if they are already sleep‑deprived. The interview suggested that many streaming platforms should consider inserting short intermissions or content warnings between episodes of particularly intense horror shows.

4. Mental Health Implications and Content Warnings

The conversation inevitably turned to mental‑health concerns. Dr. Carter admits that certain individuals—those with post‑traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, or other sensitivities—may find horror media particularly distressing. He cited a 2022 NHS advisory (link embedded in the article) that urged content creators to use clear and specific content warnings at the beginning of episodes. These warnings should include details on violence, sexual content, and potentially traumatic scenes.

The interview also referenced a new initiative from the British Film Institute (BFI) that is developing a “psychological impact rating” system for streaming content. “If we could label films with a risk level—low, moderate, high—it would give viewers more agency,” Dr. Carter noted. He suggested that these ratings be based on empirical research rather than vague descriptors, thereby helping people who are susceptible to anxiety or trauma to make more informed decisions.

5. The Cathartic Power of Horror

While much of the discussion focused on the negative, Dr. Carter also spoke to the cathartic benefits of horror. He said that exposure to controlled fear can help people process their own anxieties. “You confront a symbolic representation of your fears,” he said, “and this can create psychological distance and, in some cases, reduce the intensity of those fears over time.”

This point was supported by a recent study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology (link to the paper provided) which found that participants who watched a carefully curated horror film experienced a measurable reduction in generalized anxiety symptoms after a week of follow‑up. The interview emphasized that, while horror can be a valuable tool in mental‑health contexts, it should always be approached with professional guidance for those with severe psychological issues.

6. The Future of Horror on Television

When asked about emerging trends, Dr. Carter highlighted the increasing intersection of horror with other genres—especially science‑fiction and drama. He noted that shows like The Witcher and The Mandalorian blend action, world‑building, and horror to create hybrid narratives that are both emotionally complex and terrifying.

The interview also touched on the role of AI and procedural generation in creating personalized horror experiences. “Imagine a horror show that adapts to your personal fears in real time,” Dr. Carter mused. “That’s a frontier that could radically alter how we experience fear.”

7. Practical Advice for Viewers

To wrap up, Dr. Carter gave viewers a set of actionable tips for navigating horror content responsibly:

1. Use Content Warnings: Never skip them—especially if you have a history of anxiety or trauma.
2. Schedule Downtime: Don’t binge‑watch for more than an hour at a time; give your mind a break.
3. Create a Safe Environment: Watching in a well‑lit room, with a friend or family member, can reduce perceived threat.
4. Keep a Journal: Note how you feel before, during, and after the episode; this can help you gauge long‑term effects.
5. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you experience intrusive dreams, panic attacks, or insomnia, consider consulting a mental‑health professional.

8. Take‑away

Dr. Alex Carter’s interview is a sobering reminder that while horror can entertain, it also taps into deeply wired psychological circuits. By drawing on cutting‑edge neuroscience, recent empirical studies, and practical guidelines, the Radio Times article offers a balanced view of horror’s power and pitfalls. Whether you’re a casual binge‑watcher or an academic interested in media psychology, the conversation underscores a simple truth: our love of fear is both a natural instinct and a cultural phenomenon that demands thoughtful engagement.