True crime stories are becoming a prominent feature of modern entertainment. Netflix has captured audiences worldwide with gripping documentaries such as “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” and “Making a Murderer”, attracting millions of viewers.
The fascination with true accounts of terror is difficult to resist. Nonetheless, a prominent psychologist has expressed worries regarding the reasons some individuals derive comfort from these macabre narratives.
For countless individuals, relaxing with a true crime documentary has turned into a regular pastime. After a long day, diving into the realm of killers and mysteries feels entirely routine.
People often perceive this behavior as harmless because it is so common. However, psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant suggests that this could signal a significant concern regarding your mental well-being.
Dr. Thema Bryant, a prominent psychologist, expressed her insights on “The Mel Robbins Podcast”. She explored the tendency of individuals to seek out aggressive content as a means of dealing with their own emotional struggles.
The concern arises not from the material itself, but from the reasons individuals perceive it as soothing. “If you find unwinding involves binge-watching three episodes of “Law & Order”, consider reflecting on what it is about trauma that brings you a sense of relaxation,” Dr. Bryant proposed.
Her remarks sparked an intriguing conversation, particularly among enthusiastic followers of true crime content. Dr. Bryant emphasized that many people who enjoy these shows may have grown up in high-pressure environments.
This may shed light on their newfound comfort in tumultuous and intense narratives. For those individuals, tranquility might seem unfamiliar or even uninteresting.
Numerous listeners shared their personal experiences, recognizing the unsettling reality. One person shared, “It distracts me from the pain I’m feeling in my life.”
Another revealed, “The trauma isn’t relaxing to me – it’s the justice the characters get that I never did.” These accounts reflect a broader psychological trend.
Individuals who have faced trauma frequently seek solace in narratives that reflect their own struggles. Dr. Bryant clarified that there is often a misunderstanding where individuals equate chaos with what is considered normal.
“Some of us grew up in high-stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring,” she said. Individuals who indulge in true crime may inadvertently find comfort in these intense stories of violence.
Intense narratives may offer a feeling of mastery over lingering emotional wounds. Although these shows provide a brief escape, Dr. Bryant cautions that they may hinder genuine recovery.
Dr. Bryant is not alone in voicing apprehensions. Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, delved into the underlying motivations for the intrigue surrounding true crime.
In a recent discussion with “Crime Reads”, Dr. Jeglic shared insights on how individuals who have experienced trauma might find themselves attracted to violent media. “People with a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime to re-experience those situations,” she said.
She explained that true crime provides survivors with the opportunity to revisit their trauma within a secure and managed setting. Some find satisfaction in seeing justice served or solving a mystery.
For numerous individuals who have experienced trauma, this decision provides a feeling of completion. In their personal experiences, this feeling of fairness might be lacking.
Amid increasing worries, there remains a divergence of opinion regarding Dr. Bryant’s viewpoint. Enthusiasts of true crime have flock to social media to express their passion for the genre.
Some argue that it isn’t the trauma they appreciate, but rather the elements of justice or the intrigue of solving mysteries. One viewer said, “The trauma isn’t relaxing to me – it’s the justice the characters get.”
Another said, “Some of us just like watching the dark side of things. It makes us more aware of this crazy world.”
Nonetheless, Dr. Bryant and Dr. Jeglic both warn about the delicate balance between intrigue and distress. For certain individuals, engaging with intense media could uncover underlying emotional challenges.
Dr. Bryant’s message focuses on understanding rather than criticizing true crime enthusiasts. Instead, she invites viewers to consider the reasons behind their attraction to these narratives.
She encourages people to find peaceful ways to unwind and to welcome serenity. “To come home to yourself, you have to lean into the discomfort because it’s gonna feel unfamiliar,” she said.
For individuals who find it difficult to unwind without engaging in true crime, it might be beneficial to consider adjusting their routines. Continuous engagement with aggressive stories may hinder emotional recovery.
While true crime can be incredibly engaging, it may pose more risks than audiences are aware of. Before you dive into the next episode, take a moment to reflect: What is it about trauma that makes it feel so familiar?
We frequently disregard the influence of content on mental health in an age of excessive media consumption. With insights from experts like Dr. Bryant, it may be time to rethink our consumption habits
Feature Image Credit: (Youtube/@Mel Robbins) (Netflix)
