October is prime viewing for frightening flicks, and you might have noticed some individuals are into scary movies more than others. Chair of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey said risk-takers are more likely to be attracted to horror movies and for others, it’s a matter of finding a sweet spot…
“They want to be close enough to it to get the adrenaline rush, that makes them feel excited and engaged, but not so close that they might feel any real direct harm or feel like they lose control,” said Bailey.
When it comes to the best age for young people to watch a scary movie, Bailey said it’s a matter of emotional maturity not necessarily a number when it comes to age.
“Taking a child where they are and allowing them to grow and mature emotionally and psychologically at their own pace is what really matters. All too often our society or external events will do that for a child before they’re ready,” said Bailey.
Most adults can recall the first movie that frightened them as a child, and for some that experience was traumatic. Bailey said parents should be mindful if their child is having trouble processing a horror movie and look out for subtle clues.
“A child may be having trouble sleeping, or nightmares or having more conflict in school with peers, fighting or involved with aggressive behavior. If you talk to them, they may actually say that they’re actually still influenced by or thinking about a movie they watched some time ago,” said Bailey.
Bailey said children who have magical thinking, or trouble processing what’s real versus make-believe, are not ready to watch frightening movies.
Comments