The Power of Horror in Greek Tragedy

Aristotle's concept of catharsis suggests that Greek tragic plays, with their dark themes of betrayal, violence, and familial murder, serve to purge viewers of pent-up emotions, much like relieving pressure. This theory implies that experiencing horror within a controlled, fictional environment can help individuals cope with the anxieties of real life. However, modern psychological research challenges this notion. Studies in emotion regulation indicate that venting feelings, initially thought to be beneficial, may actually exacerbate emotions rather than alleviate them. Instead of catharsis, a more effective strategy may involve creating psychological distance from one's emotions, reflecting a significant shift in understanding emotional processing and therapeutic practices.