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 SummaryIn 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 TakeawaysCatharsis 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.lilyamanDr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel:@DoctorJodiGeneration Z Mental Health Resource Guide:jodiaman.com/guideRedirect Positive Mindset Cardsjodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cardsEnCompass SEL Class Activityjodiaman.com/order-encompass-gameAnxiety,I'm So Done with You!BookThank 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! You’re listening to the Ask Dr. Jodi - Mental Health & Relationship Advice with Jodi Aman.Sign up for text updates, where you can ask me your private questions! Text JODI to 8334583845 to get in the group. Want personalized coaching on the show? Sign up to be a call-in guest at jodiaman.com/live Remember, you can join me live every Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern on YouTube, @doctorjodi, where you can ask your questions in real time. 👉👉Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week. PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: jodiaman.com/live. Let's keep building a stronger, happier generation! Contact Doctor Jodi:• Website: jodiaman.com• TikTok: @doctorjodi• YouTube: @doctorjodi• Instagram: @doctorjodiaman 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 LiveWelcome 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 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 I’m 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, or 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 ...
