Short Wave – “The Science Of Fear And Horror Movies”
NPR | Hosts: Regina Barber
October 6, 2025
Guest: Dr. Arash Javumbach (Psychiatrist, Wayne State University)
Episode Overview
This Short Wave episode dives into the science of fear: why it exists, how it works, and why some people actively seek it out through horror movies. Host Regina Barber interviews Dr. Arash Javumbach, psychiatrist and author of Afraid, about the evolutionary roots of fear, the overlap with anxiety, the psychological appeal of horror, and how scientific understanding is shaping treatments for phobias and anxiety disorders. The conversation is open, relatable, and peppered with personal stories and cutting-edge research.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Why Do We Feel Fear? (04:50)
- Evolutionary Context:
Dr. Javumbach explains that fear is an ancient biological system, evolved to keep us alive in the face of physical threats.“A hundred thousand years ago, the threats that our species was facing were very different than the threats we are facing in the modern life.”
(05:00 – Dr. Arash Javumbach) - Modern Relevance:
Today, fear often manifests in situations where there’s no physical threat (e.g., public speaking), but our bodies still react as if we’re in danger — sweaty palms, racing heart, etc.
Fear vs. Anxiety (02:28)
- Key Distinction:
"Fear is more directed towards a clear threat. But anxiety is when I am expecting something bad to happen but I don't have a clear idea about."
(02:35 – Dr. Arash Javumbach) - Prevalence:
Anxiety and trauma-related disorders are common, affecting 20-30% of people at a clinical level (02:09).
The Purpose and Power of Fear (03:13)
- Protective Role:
“Fear is a universal response and system put in all biological beings with one purpose: to keep us alive.”
(02:48 – Dr. Arash Javumbach) - Historical Utility:
Fear told our ancestors to run from predators; anxiety discouraged dangerous repeat behaviors.
Why Some People Love Horror Movies (06:16)
- Overlap with Thrill:
“The biology of thrill and biology of fear are overlapping because you need the same sympathetic nervous system. That's what makes you feel alive and excited.”
(06:30 – Dr. Arash Javumbach) - Sense of Control:
Horror movies create “false alarms” — you experience real fear in a safe, controlled setting, which can be exhilarating (07:23). - Mindfulness Factor:
During an engaging film, viewers become absorbed and mindful, their worries momentarily set aside (07:43).
Can Horror Movies Ease Anxiety? (07:31)
- Exposure & Mastery:
Facing scary scenarios in fiction gives a sense of mastery over fear, “a sense of fulfillment at the end…one of those people who survived” (08:30). - Therapeutic Potential:
For certain people, horror movies can actually reduce anxiety by providing controlled exposure to fear and a period of emotional detachment from real-life stressors.
Treating Fear & Anxiety Disorders (08:30)
- Therapies Available:
- Talk Therapy: Discussing and dismantling harmful beliefs or triggers.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual, safe exposure to feared objects/situations.
- Medication: Used to reduce the intensity of anxiety so the logical brain can function (08:51).
- Exercise:
"What you can do is better than nothing...the more cardio the better." (10:12)
- Exercise also builds community and social resilience.
Augmented Reality in Fear Treatment (11:01)
- Innovation in Exposure Therapy:
Dr. Javumbach uses augmented reality (AR) headsets (like HoloLens), which superimpose feared stimuli (e.g., spiders) into the real environment for safe, controlled exposure.“Everybody with terrible fear of spiders was able to touch a real tarantula. His name is Tony Stark.” (11:57 - Dr. Arash Javumbach)
- Fun Fact: The therapy’s tarantula is indeed named Tony Stark (12:07).
Reducing Stigma: Fear is Normal (12:10)
- Universal Experience:
"A human without fear doesn't have a very good chance of survival...Being able to experience fear and anxiety is normal. And also a lot of times, it's a motivator."
(12:25 – Dr. Arash Javumbach) - On Shame and Seeking Help:
Comparing anxiety disorders to diabetes or high blood pressure — just another medical condition, not a personal failure (12:25)."[In] this day and age, there's too much anxiety...one in five or four people around me are experiencing these conditions to a level we call clinically significant."
(13:32 – Dr. Arash Javumbach)
Most Memorable Quotes
-
On Horror Movie Enjoyment:
"I feel more alive when I am in situations like this because you logically know this is something happening on the tv...but a big chunk of you...believes it...because that involves their thrill brain and excitement brain and gives them a sense of control."
(01:29 - Dr. Arash Javumbach) -
On Treating Anxiety:
“One reason I'm in the field of anxiety and trauma is that they are so treatable and people don't have to suffer for a long life.”
(08:51 - Dr. Arash Javumbach) -
On Stigma:
"How can I be ashamed of something that is affecting one in five people around me?...do you want to spend these years of your youth in fear, or do you want to fix it and be able to enjoy them, because you will never be young again?"
(13:32 – Dr. Arash Javumbach)
Notable Moments and Timestamps
- [00:58] Dr. Javumbach’s favorite horror movies: The Exorcist and Hereditary
- [02:28] Defining the difference between fear and anxiety
- [05:00] The fight-or-flight response and its evolutionary roots
- [06:30] Why our brains are “fooled” (and thrilled) by safe scares
- [07:43] The concept of horror movies as temporary mindfulness and stress relief
- [11:01] Augmented reality therapy demonstration and “Tony Stark the tarantula”
- [12:07] Normalizing fear—no shame in experiencing it
Closing Thoughts
This episode offers both scientific depth and relatability, uncovering why fear isn’t just normal but potentially useful — even as entertainment. Dr. Javumbach’s insights break down stigma and encourage listeners to see fear as both natural and treatable, whether through therapy, medicine, movement, or even a well-chosen horror flick.