Spooky Research

Adrenaline junkies are considered classic horror fans, who seek intensity and excitement from frightening media and experiences. They actively pursue a sense of terror. They report immediate enjoyment from scary situations such as haunted houses and horror films.

White knucklers find horror distressing but partake to practice their emotional regulation and manage their fear. They experience a sense of personal growth and satisfaction after ‘surviving’ horror. Their main goal is relief.

Dark copers are a combination of extremes, balancing intensity and control. They report both immediate enjoyment during and personal growth and satisfaction after experiencing horror. These fans use horror as a coping mechanism and a way to navigate their real life fears.

Scrivner, C., Andersen, M. M., Schjødt, U., & Clasen, M. (2023). The psychological benefits of scary play in three types of horror fans. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications, 35(2), 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-1105/a000354