Why We Watch Scary Movies

There are many reasons why we watch scary movies.

Psychological research finds a strong correlation between the desire to watch suspenseful or scary entertainment and the viewer’s high need for physical arousal or excitement. So some of us watch scary films for the thrill of it. It's safe, so to speak, because we are watching it, not living it. The great master of horror, Alfred Hitchcock said, "People like to be scared when they feel safe."

Others may watch horror movies to root for old-fashioned virtues of morality and justice. Or to problem solve, by figuring out ways to escape terror. Or to revisit a trauma without having to relive it in real time. Then there are those who might watch to release their own aggressive or violent wishes in a more socially approachable way. By just watching it.

Research at King's College in London said that the key to a great scary movie is the balance between suspense and gore. If little is shown on screen it allows one's mind to invent the fright. According to the researchers, JAWS was the perfect scary movie because, "Steven Spielberg reached the optimum level perfectly allowing the viewer to see just enough blood to be scared of the Great White Shark, but not so much that it repulsed us."

Yeah, I agree. "Jaws" is at the top of my scariest movies list - and I haven't been in the ocean since seeing it in 1975.

So in the spirit of Halloween, what is your favorite scary movie?

In Defense of Defenses

Defenses are psychological operations that maintain equilibrium when a person cannot manage emotions that stem from conflict or trauma.

Defenses are something we ALL employ in our lives and can be divided into two categories.

"Adaptive defenses" which lead to smooth psychosocial functioning

or

"Maladaptive defenses" which lead to psychosocial troubles.


Defenses are largely unconscious, although insight into one's defensive structure can be obtained with psychoanalysis.

Defense mechanisms are amazing and should be regarded as exceptional feats by the psyche. I believe that analyzing defenses helps bring light to one's life and greater understanding of a person's uniqueness. Learning why certain kinds of defenses operate makes room for new adaptive defenses to grow.


For more about defense mechanisms link to Mental Help Net or check out this book here .




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World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day has been celebrated annually on the 10th of October since1992.


This year's campaign is: Mental health in a changing world: The impact of culture and diversity.


Culture can influence many aspects of mental health - including how individuals from a given culture communicate and manifest symptoms, coping style, the kind of family and community supports - and their willingness or reluctance in seeking treatment.


The goal of World Mental Health Day is to address stigma and to show that mental illness is neurobiological - not a scarlett letter with which to be ashamed or a weakness of someone's character. And this year's theme highlights the importance of culture and diversity among us all.



Here are a some worldwide links to check out:

Africa
Asia Pacific Region
Australia
Canada
India
Ireland
New Zealand
Russia, Ukraine & Belarus
South Africa
South America
South East Europe
Western Pacific Region
United Kingdom
United States



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