How do ‘scary movies’ effect our tolerance for emotional body sensations?

Today we are moving on to what I call the “Scary Movie Factor”. Here’s the gist of it. Think about whether you like or dislike going to scary movies. People who enjoy scary movies often say they enjoy them in part because of the rush of adrenaline or other bodily sensations that they elicit. People who hate scary movies hate them primarily for the same reason: They hate the bodily sensations that are triggered by the threat of violence, anxious anticipation, assaults, or surprise.

In this example, there is no “better” or “worse” reaction. Individuals who hate scary movies have a narrower window of tolerance and those enjoying the movie have a greater tolerance of the bodily sensations evoked by the content they are watching.

Think about how this scary movie idea relates to you and people in your life. And, think also about how you respond emotionally in a variety of other situations and how people know or love respond differently to those same situations.

Next week, you’ll begin to understand why there are so many differences in how we each experience feelings.

This weeks questions:

How are you responding to these “scary movie” reactions right now, and how can you use your new knowledge about the ‘window of tolerance’ to help you build your emotional tolerance?

I’d love for you to respond on my facebook group if you feel comfortable!!

Join my group on Facebook LOVE MY LIFE and let me know. I’ll post the question and jump on myself to chat and answer questions.

To A Life You Love,

Dr. Joan Rosenberg