The psychology of attraction to horror films : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study investigates the characteristics and factors influencing the attraction to horror as a genre of film. The literature discusses the apparent contradicting relationship between a horror fan’s desire to be exposed to unsettling cinema and their innate psychological responses to threatening stimuli. The study therefore adopted a qualitative approach that allowed the respondents, five local Malta-based horror-enthusiasts, to fully reflect their experiences as enthusiasts, and their development into horror fandom. The findings were then thematically analysed to reveal four overarching themes that play an integral role in developing a fascination with horror, which include the specific processes unique to the early stages of a horror fan’s journey to fandom, the level of viewer immersion through realism versus the awareness of witnessing a work of fiction, the unique level of creativity instilled by horror filmmakers, and the viewing pleasure experienced through the pure thrill of feeling terrified. To conclude, the author makes remarks regarding the future of research in this area, the limitations experienced, as well as some personal reflections.