The Psychology Podcast
The Science of Morbid Curiosity w/ Dr. Coltan Scrivner
Aug 15, 2024
Dr. Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist specializing in true crime and morbid curiosity, delves into the intriguing mechanisms behind our attraction to unsettling subjects. He explores the psychology of those drawn to horror and violence, revealing how morbid curiosity often intertwines with empathy and compassion. The conversation highlights the connection between psychological arousal and attraction, and how engaging with fear can foster emotional resilience. Scrivner also examines the personality traits linked to this fascination, including insights into dark empathic behaviors.
01:00:37
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Quick takeaways
- Morbid curiosity serves as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to explore fear and danger in a safe context through horror narratives.
- Research indicates a positive correlation between empathy and interest in horror, suggesting that horror fans can empathetically relate to film characters.
Deep dives
Understanding Morbid Curiosity
Morbid curiosity is defined as an interest in or fascination with unpleasant subjects, particularly surrounding themes of death and violence. Research indicates that while most people possess some degree of morbid curiosity, individuals vary widely in their interests, particularly in horror films and true crime media. The phenomenon may relate to people's intrinsic desire to comprehend fear and danger, influencing their engagement with horror narratives. As noted by experts, morbid curiosity can be seen as a coping mechanism to explore and understand frightening concepts in a safe context.
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