Apparently so…
WHEN WE THINK ABOUT activities that boost our health, reading psychological thrillers might not immediately come to mind. However, recent studies and psychological insights suggest that diving into a gripping psychological thriller can offer surprising benefits for both mental and emotional well-being.
So how can these nail-biting novels be more than just a source of entertainment?
Stress Relief through Escapism: Psych thrillers transport readers into a different world, offering a break from daily stressors. The intense storylines and complex characters engage the mind so fully that readers often find their own worries temporarily sidelined. This mental break can be a form of stress relief, providing a much-needed respite for the brain. (If you’ve read “A BROKEN REALITY“, I can imagine it was easier to put your worries aside for the moment when you realized what poor Jesse was going through!)
Enhanced Empathy and Social Cognition: Thrillers and suspense books often delve deep into the human psyche, exploring complex characters and moral dilemmas. This can enhance readers’ empathy and understanding of human behavior. As readers try to understand the motives and feelings of various characters, they inadvertently boost their social cognition and emotional intelligence, skills that are beneficial in real-life social interactions.
Improved Brain Function: Engaging with the intricate plots and twists in psychological thrillers requires a high level of mental activity. Following complex storylines and making predictions about plot developments can improve cognitive functions like memory, focus, and critical thinking. This mental exercise can be particularly beneficial as we age, helping to keep the brain sharp and potentially warding off cognitive decline. (Think about the Justin Wright Suspense Series — keeping track of characters, motives, storylines, etc. was rough for me… and I wrote them!)
The Thrill of Suspense and Its Emotional Payoff: The suspense and heightened emotional engagement in psychological thrillers trigger a release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline. This can create a sense of excitement and euphoria, similar to the feeling one gets from a physical workout. Once the mystery resolves, the sense of closure and satisfaction can be emotionally rewarding, contributing to a positive mood.
While psychological thrillers might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they offer unique benefits for those who enjoy them. From stress relief and improved empathy to enhanced brain function and emotional payoff, these books do more than entertain; they contribute to our mental and emotional health in unexpected ways.
So next time you pick up a psychological thriller, remember, you’re not just reading for fun; you’re also giving your brain a healthy workout!
