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Can scary movies soothe anxiety?

As Halloween week creeps in, many people are getting into the spirit by settling in for a good sc...

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13.58 29 Oct 2025


Can scary movies soothe anxiety?


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13.58 29 Oct 2025


As Halloween week creeps in, many people are getting into the spirit by settling in for a good scare with their favorite horror movies. For some, that means spending most of the film peeking through their fingers, bracing for whatever terrifying moment might jump out from the screen.

Well, if you are in any way anxious, scary movies may be your best friend. Research carried out has discovered that fictional tales of terror may bring some psychological benefits, including reducing the anxiety we feel about events out in the real world.

Would you watch a scary movie if it reduced your anxiety?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Sarah Cleary, Karen Beckett, Chartered Psychologist and Researcher and Patrick Osborne, author and Screenwriter.


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