On “Psychology Behind the Headlines,” hosts Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and guest therapist Ryan Heapy discuss a study that suggests a link between psychopathic traits and enjoying scary or thrilling experiences.
What is psychopathy?
Psychopathy is a personality disorder marked by lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a disregard for social norms.
Fear and thrill-seeking
The study suggests that people with psychopathic traits may find fear-inducing experiences pleasurable. However, this doesn’t mean everyone who enjoys a scary movie is a psychopath.
The role of culture
How we’re raised and the cultural messages we receive shape how we view risk-taking and fear, contributing to the variety of ways people experience these emotions.
