In a study led by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), researchers have uncovered intriguing insights into how our brains respond to different film genres
The study, recently published in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience, examined the brain activity of approximately 260 individuals and their preferences for various types of films.
Films have always been known to evoke various emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and anger. Esther Zwiky, a psychologist at MLU, highlights the fascination with films, noting, “Films are so fascinating because they not only depict every human emotion, but they also evoke them. Negative emotions, such as anger or fear, play a central role in many films.”
What your favourite film genres reveal about your brain
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the researchers measured participants’ brain activity while exposing them to stimuli such as fearful or angry faces, as well as geometric shapes. Key areas of focus were the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, and the nucleus accumbens, known as the brain’s reward centre.
The study found distinct patterns of brain activity based on participants’ preferred film genres. Fans of action films and comedies exhibited notably strong reactions to negative emotional stimuli in both the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens. According to Zwiky, “We found that fans of action films showed the strongest reactions in both areas. We hadn’t expected this, as action films typically provide many stimuli. Thus, it would have made more sense if action fans had been less easy to stimulate.”
Those who favoured crime films, thrillers, or documentaries displayed significantly weaker responses in these brain regions when confronted with emotional stimuli.
This finding challenges previous assumptions about how different genres affect emotional processing.
Brain activity during films
The study’s methodology involved analysing data from 257 participants who also provided detailed information about their film preferences. By correlating this with fMRI results, the researchers could map out how each genre influenced neural responses.
The amygdala’s role in triggering fight-or-flight responses to threats was particularly pronounced in action film fans. This heightened sensitivity suggests a preference for intense emotional experiences in these viewers.
Overall, the research sheds light on the intricate relationship between entertainment preferences and neurological responses. Understanding these connections could have implications for how media is tailored and marketed in the future, potentially offering personalised viewing experiences based on individual brain profiles.
This study marks a significant step towards unraveling the mystery of why certain genres captivate different audiences, offering a deeper understanding of human behavior and cognition.
