The Psychological Benefits of Scary Play in Three Types of Horror Fans

Coltan Scrivner; Marc Andersen; Uffe Schjødt; Mathias Clasen

doi:10.1027/1864-1105/a000354

The Psychological Benefits of Scary Play in Three Types of Horror Fans

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Research › peer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Why do people seek out frightening leisure activities such as horror films and haunted attractions, and does the experience benefit them in any way? In this article, we address these questions through two separate studies. In Study 1, we asked American horror fans (n = 256) why they like horror and identified three overall types of horror fans, which we term Adrenaline Junkies, White Knucklers, and Dark Copers. In Study 2, we collected data from Danish visitors at a haunted house attraction (n = 258) and replicated the findings from Study 1 by finding the same three types of horror fans. Furthermore, we show that these three types of horror fans report distinct benefits from horror experiences. Adrenaline Junkies reported immediate enjoyment, White Knucklers reported personal growth, and Dark Copers reported both. These results suggest that frightening leisure activities are not only an outlet for sensation-seeking, and that the allure of horror may have as much to do with learning and personal growth as it has with high-arousal fun.

Original language	English
Journal	Journal of Media Psychology
Volume	35
Issue	2
Pages (from-to)	87-98
Number of pages	12
ISSN	1864-1105
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000354
Publication status	Published - Mar 2023

Keywords

horror
learning
morbid curiosity
play
threat simulation

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10.1027/1864-1105/a000354

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1 Active

Recreational Fear Lab
Clasen, M. (PI), Andersen, M. (Participant), Taranu, M. (Participant), Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, J. (Participant), Terkildsen, T. (Participant) & Scrivner, C. (Participant)
Independent Research Fund Denmark
01/09/2020 → …
Project: Research

20 Citations
1 Journal article
1 Dataset
1 Pictures, Video and sound recordings (digital)
1 Net publication - Internet publication

The New Science of Recreational Fear
Clasen, M., Feb 2023, In: Anglo Files. 2023, 207, p. 36-41
Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaper › Journal article › Communication
How Horror Helps Your Brain: From Peek-a-Boo to Haunted Houses, 'Recreational Fear' Prepares Us for the Real Thing
Clasen, M., 20 Oct 2022, Los Angeles : Zócalo Public Square.
Research output: Other contribution › Net publication - Internet publication › Communication

Open Access
Psychological benefits of scary play in three types of horror fans
Scrivner, C. (Producer), Andersen, M. (Producer), Schjødt, U. (Producer) & Clasen, M. (Producer), Feb 2022
Research output: Non-textual form › Dataset › Research › peer-review

7 Lecture and oral contribution
1 Consultancy

Horror, Fiction, and Fear
Clasen, M. (Lecturer)
15 Sept 2025
Activity: Presentations, memberships, employment, ownership and other activities › Lecture and oral contribution
Why Horror Is Good For You
Clasen, M. (Lecturer)
21 Oct 2023
Activity: Presentations, memberships, employment, ownership and other activities › Lecture and oral contribution
Er det sundt at blive bange?
Clasen, M. (Lecturer)
18 Oct 2023
Activity: Presentations, memberships, employment, ownership and other activities › Lecture and oral contribution

What horror films do to our brains
Clasen, M. & Andersen, M.
31/10/2025
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
How Halloween Scares Can Soothe Anxiety
Clasen, M. & Andersen, M.
27/10/2025
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Press / Media
Why Feeling Fear Can Be So Much Fun
Andersen, M. & Clasen, M.
23/10/2024
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media

Cite this

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abstract = "Why do people seek out frightening leisure activities such as horror films and haunted attractions, and does the experience benefit them in any way? In this article, we address these questions through two separate studies. In Study 1, we asked American horror fans (n = 256) why they like horror and identified three overall types of horror fans, which we term Adrenaline Junkies, White Knucklers, and Dark Copers. In Study 2, we collected data from Danish visitors at a haunted house attraction (n = 258) and replicated the findings from Study 1 by finding the same three types of horror fans. Furthermore, we show that these three types of horror fans report distinct benefits from horror experiences. Adrenaline Junkies reported immediate enjoyment, White Knucklers reported personal growth, and Dark Copers reported both. These results suggest that frightening leisure activities are not only an outlet for sensation-seeking, and that the allure of horror may have as much to do with learning and personal growth as it has with high-arousal fun.",

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The Psychological Benefits of Scary Play in Three Types of Horror Fans

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