What do horror movies, anxiety, family trauma, and sport psychology have in common? Apparently, quite a bit.
In this episode of Movie House Sport Psychology, I’m joined by returning guest Dez Nunez, therapist, basketball coach, and horror movie enthusiast, to talk about Scream (2022). We discuss the latest Ghostface killings, the return of some familiar Woodsboro residents, and a few psychological themes hiding underneath all that stabbing.
Why Do People With Anxiety Love Horror Movies?
One of the more interesting questions we explore is why people who experience anxiety, phobias, or OCD might also enjoy horror movies.
Dez offers an interesting perspective: horror movies provide an opportunity to experience anxiety in a controlled environment. You choose to watch the movie. You can pause it, turn it off, or follow it up with a couple of Disney movies if things get a little too intense.
There's something appealing about being able to experience fear while still having some control over the situation. We also discuss how horror movies can provide a safe way to explore real-world anxieties, with a little escapism, humor, and occasionally some justice thrown in for good measure.
Family Trauma, Sibling Relationships, and Scream
Beneath the Ghostface mask, Scream also has quite a bit to say about family relationships.
The complicated relationship between Sam and Tara Carpenter gives us an opportunity to talk about sibling dynamics, family secrets, and how two people can experience very different versions of the same childhood.
Dez brings her perspective as both a therapist and an older sibling. We discuss how children make decisions with limited emotional and developmental resources, and how those decisions can affect family relationships years later.
Sometimes, people are doing their best to protect the people they love, but that doesn't mean their actions won't hurt someone else.
The Final Girl: Surviving vs. Thriving
One of my favorite parts of our conversation is our discussion of the final girl trope.
Dez makes an interesting observation: surviving and thriving aren't necessarily the same thing. Making it to the end of a horror movie doesn't mean you haven't lost a lot along the way.
The characters who survive often depend on other people. There's strength in numbers, and sometimes the best way to survive is to work together rather than trying to do everything yourself.
It's a lesson that applies beyond horror movies, including sports, where individual performance often depends on the support of a larger team.
So, who would we want to work with as a therapist or coach? And which Scream character has the most athletic potential? You'll have to watch or listen to find out.
Sport Psychology and Mental Health for Athletes
If you're an athlete dealing with anxiety, performance pressure, OCD, or other mental health concerns, I provide clinical sport psychology services through telehealth throughout California, including Long Beach, Los Angeles, and the South Bay.
You don't have to wait until things reach a crisis point to get support. You can contact me for a free phone consultation.