What is the attraction to horror? Is it the feeling of being scared due to the unknown? Are we attracted to horror on some psychological level that exposes us to taboo and restricted thoughts or behavior? Or is it the thrill of being exposed to obscure scenes of reality in a safe, controlled environment? The attraction appeals differently to various people on different levels. However, the fact remains that horror as an art form has developed its own genre.
N. Carroll defines art-horror as " an audience member in an analogous emotional state to that which fictional characters beset by monsters are described to be in, then: audience member is art-horrified by some monster X, if and only if 1) the audience member is in some state of abnormal, physically felt agitation (shuddering, tingling or screaming) which 2) has been caused by a) the thought: the monster is a possible being; and by the evaluative thoughts: that b) said monster has the property of being physically (and perhaps morally and socially) threatening in the ways portrayed in fiction that c) said monster has the property of being impure, where 3) such thoughts are usually accomplished by desire to avoid the touch of the monster." Carroll's definition explains the audience's physical and emotional reactions as a result of being art-horrified. This sensation and attraction to horror can be viewed as a contradiction to the social norm as related to establishing safety and security as the foundation of human hierarchy of needs.
I base this proposal of contradiction on the fact that seeking out art-horrific experiences contradicts the basic human hierarchy of needs. The basic human need is to establish safety, security and order in one's everyday life. Subjecting yourself to situations that conjure up emotions of fear and disgust and physical reactions such as chills and uneasiness seem to defy the social norm of needing and maintaining a safe, secure environment.
Whatever the attraction for individuals to horror, i.e., fear of unknown, psychological exposure to taboo thoughts or behavior, or just the thrill of horror experiences in a safe environment, the fact remains that there is an established genre for art-horror. With an established need, horror artists will continue to provide horrific plots and situations for the demanding audiences regardless of hierarchical needs in our society.
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