Rachel Feltman: Hi, this is Rachel Feltman reporting for Scientific American’s Science Quickly. Today, we are delving into the fascinating world of fear and morbid curiosity with Coltan Scrivner, a behavioral scientist at the Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University in Denmark and the Psychology Department at Arizona State University.
Scrivner’s research focuses on understanding the evolutionary and psychological underpinnings of why humans are drawn to scary experiences. He explores the concept of morbid curiosity and our fascination with the darker side of life.
One of the key questions Scrivner addresses is why humans enjoy getting scared, even though fear is generally seen as a negative emotion. Through his research, he has found that while some people may not necessarily enjoy the feeling of fear itself, they do enjoy the sense of overcoming that fear. This sense of triumph and self-confidence that comes from facing something frightening is a significant driver behind our attraction to scary experiences.
Scrivner also discusses how other animals exhibit behaviors that indicate a level of curiosity towards potential threats, similar to humans’ engagement with fear-inducing stimuli. From gazelles observing predators to primates inspecting scary objects, there is evidence to suggest that the interest in fear is not unique to humans.
One of the intriguing aspects Scrivner highlights is the concept of scary play, where individuals engage with frightening scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. This allows them to practice managing feelings of fear and anxiety, ultimately helping them build resilience and coping mechanisms for real-life situations.
Moreover, Scrivner’s research has identified different types of horror fans, including adrenaline junkies, white knucklers, and dark copers. These categories reflect varying motivations for engaging with horror content, ranging from seeking thrills to using scary experiences as a form of emotional processing.
As we navigate the spooky season and explore the allure of fear-inducing activities, Scrivner suggests that individuals who are apprehensive about scary stuff can ease themselves into the genre by starting with less intense or campy horror films. By gradually exposing themselves to frightening content, they may develop a greater appreciation for the genre and potentially overcome their initial fears.
Overall, Scrivner’s work sheds light on the complex relationship humans have with fear and provides valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms that drive our fascination with the macabre. Through further research, he aims to unravel more mysteries surrounding fear and morbid curiosity, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions.
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