Movies Beneficial for Brain Health Named 0 9

Watching horror movies and other controlled frightening experiences can temporarily change the activity of brain networks associated with depression. This was reported by researchers from the universities of Ningxia and Shandong, who published their work in the journal Psychology Research and Behavior Management (PRBM).

The scientists found that people with mild to moderate depression experienced a decrease in hyperactive connectivity between brain areas responsible for self-reflection and the perception of significant stimuli after experiencing fear. This effect, observed through MRI, temporarily makes brain activity more similar to that of healthy individuals and is accompanied by an improvement in mood.

The study involved hundreds of volunteers: some went through a "haunted house," while others watched clips from horror movies. It turned out that moderately depressed participants derived the most enjoyment from stronger fear—possibly because such an emotional surge helped distract from intrusive thoughts.

The authors note that the effect is temporary; however, the results open a new direction for research—using controlled fear as a means of temporarily alleviating symptoms of depression and restoring emotional regulation.