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Trauma & Horror Films

Braaains
Braaains
Episode • Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 3m

It's spooky season so let's talk about trauma and horror films and how the two intersect. We're excited to be talking to horror film writer and cognitive behavior therapist, Mo Moshaty, about her own experiences with trauma and how horror films can be used to talk about it. Of course, it can sometimes misuse and exploit traumatic experiences for chills and thrills which we also address in this episode.

The key moments in this episode are:

  • 00:00:33 - Trauma and horror films 
  • 00:01:14 - Mo's personal experiences with trauma 
  • 00:05:17 - Mental, physical, and emotional implications of trauma 
  • 00:13:48 - Changes in brain structure and body 
  • 00:15:05 - Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma 
  • 00:16:36 - Physical Effects of Trauma 
  • 00:17:31 - People-Pleasing and Ignoring Personal Needs 
  • 00:20:32 - Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Care 
  • 00:27:40 - Misuse of Trauma in Horror Films 
  • 00:29:35 - Realistic Portrayal of Trauma in Cinema 
  • 00:31:48 - Impact of Grief in Horror Movies 
  • 00:35:32 - Negative Female Tropes in Horror 
  • 00:37:11 - Realistic Depictions of Trauma in Film 
  • 00:39:18 - Movies with Realistic Depictions of Trauma 
  • 00:44:11 - Finding Healing in Literature 
  • 00:45:10 - Protecting Ourselves as Viewers 
  • 00:47:24 - Acknowledging Triggers and Setting Boundaries 
  • 00:50:27 - Horror as a Tool for Mental Health 
  • 00:55:38 - Centering Women's Experiences in Horror

CW: Abuse, assault, and childhood trauma

DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Episode-017-Horror-and-trauma-Transcript.pdf

Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com

Follow: @BraaainsPodcast

Music: @_Deppisch_

Design: Perpetualnotion.ca

Mixing/ Mastering: Tony Bao

Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast

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