Morbid Minds

Why we can't look away.

Coltan Scrivner

Do Horror Fans Have Low Empathy?

Many people assume horror fans are unempathetic—but the science isn't so clear.

Why We Are Fascinated by Serial Killers

Why are we intrigued by serial killers? Our ability to mentally simulate experiences and our evolutionary relationship with predators may be to blame.

Morbid Curiosity in Your Dreams

Can our morbid curiosity seep into our dreams?

How You Could Use Horror to Overcome Anxiety

Why would a movie meant to make you feel anxious actually help you cope with anxiety? It's all about practice.

How 3 Types of Fans Benefit from Horror

Horror isn't just about the adrenaline rush; some people learn about themselves from engaging in scary play.

3 Key Traits of Morbidly Curious People

These three traits strongly influence whether or not someone tends to experience morbid curiosity.

A Film Critic Claims "Saw" Fans Are Depraved. Is He Right?

A movie critic claims that fans of horror movies like Saw are "depraved lunatics." What does the science say?

The Psychological Roots of Gruesome Violence

A recent study suggests that engaging in gruesome violence might be an evolution-inspired strategy for signaling formidability.

Are We Really Terrorized By Thoughts of Death?

Do we really experience paralyzing terror at the thought of death? Morbid curiosity and replication problems with Terror Management Theory suggest that we don't.

What Is Morbid Curiosity?

Why are we so intrigued by danger, death, and disgust?