The stories about post-apocalyptic scenarios in which few humans manage to survive in a world completely different from the previous one have always been stories that have gained great popularity among the public.
While many people enjoy watching these types of movies, viewing them solely as a guilty pleasure, they may not realize that immersing themselves in fiction has prepared them much better for the reality that they are in 2020 – and with which We continue in 2021- on the COVID-19 pandemic. This is attested by a team of researchers from Penn State University and whose conclusions have been published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Apparently, enjoying both zombie movies and apocalyptic dystopias may have prepared us considerably better for the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic on Earth , compared to people who do not enjoy this type of audiovisual entertainment.
“My latest research collaboration was unique in that my colleagues wanted to identify factors beyond personality that contribute to people’s psychological readiness and resilience to the pandemic, ” explained John Johnson, emeritus professor of psychology at Penn State and leader of the work.
“After ruling out personality influences, which were actually quite strong, we found that the more movies about zombies, alien invasions and apocalyptic pandemics people had seen before COVID-19, the better they coped with the current pandemic,” he clarified. Johnson. “These kinds of movies apparently serve as a mental rehearsal for real events; the stories are not just entertainment, but preparation for life.”
How have they come to this conclusion?
The researchers designed a survey that they piloted and then distributed the final version to 310 people through a website. Participants indicated how enthusiastic they were of the horror, zombie, psychological thriller, supernatural, apocalyptic / post-apocalyptic, science fiction, alien invasion, crime, comedy and romance genres in film and television. Participants were then asked about past and present experience and interest in films that explicitly dealt with pandemics.
“What we found was that people who saw certain types of movies before the pandemic seemed to have helped them during the pandemic ,” Johnson said.
Retired but not retired
Johnson’s Emeritus Professor status has allowed him to continue to participate in the research projects of his choice, while also helping other researchers along the way.
“Now that I am retired, I have all the time in the world and the freedom to choose any type of research project that I find really interesting,” said the expert. “Many of my more recent projects began at the invitation of other researchers who hoped that I could bring my experience to these projects. Most of these researchers are starting their careers, so in a way, I am teaching and advising them, as well as helping them to carry out their study. “
Referencia: “Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic” by John Johnson et al. Personality and Individual Differences
