Hey there, I'm Dr. Jodi Aman, and welcome back to Anxiety, I’m So Done With You! 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.

In 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.

• Catharsis 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.

• Watch the video of this episode at the blog: hhttps://jodiaman.com/blog/how-horror-movies-help-heal/
• Lily's Instagram @c.lily_aman and TikTok @c.lilyaman
• Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel: @DoctorJodi
• Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide: jodiaman.com/guide
• Redirect Positive Mindset Cards jodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
• EnCompass SEL Class Activity jodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
• Anxiety, I'm So Done with You! Book

Thank you so much for listening to Anxiety, I'm So Done With You! 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!  

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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 her live-streamed talk show on her YouTube channel @doctorjodi, where she discusses topics unique to Generation Z. 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

You’re listening to the Anxiety I'm So Done with You! Podcast with Doctor Jodi. 

We hope to ease the minds of “the anxious generation.” To do that, this show will guide emerging adults, their parents, and helpers, galvanizing them to release toxic stress, achieve emotional wellness, and hardwire their brains for a happy and meaningful life.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Do you, or does someone you love, have anxiety or ADHD? Do you struggle with motivation and worry about your future? Keep listening. 

As a psychotherapist, I have worked with young people for 28 years, and I’ve seen and understood the nuances of Generation Z from this rare perspective.

Guess what I discovered? Your brain is not broken. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. You don’t have to feel like this; you can feel better!

Tune in live every Monday at 8 PM E on @doctorjodi or binge the recordings. We’ll have relieving conversations, exciting guests, and inspirational stories that will show you how to get rid of worry, recover your energetic bandwidth, and grok a socially conscious life of overflowing joy.