My Research Paper - first draft by Elizabeth Hyde Stevens

Working hypothesis #1

leafstevens — 2020-10-09 20:23:49 UTC

While we enjoy some parts of horror games, the general experience is not enjoyable, and we are repressing the unenjoyable parts, due to the way memory is affected by trauma.

Research question

leafstevens — 2020-10-09 20:23:54 UTC

Do we actually like playing horror video games, or are we demonstrating effects of trauma (repressing negative memories, trauma bonding)?

Examples (test cases)

leafstevens — 2023-03-15 17:02:32 UTC

FNAF?

Luigi's Mansion?

Why it's hard to answer

leafstevens — 2023-03-15 19:15:00 UTC

People argue that they love horror games, but could they really be addicted to fear through an unhealthy trauma bond?

Possible counterarguments

leafstevens — 2023-03-15 19:15:31 UTC

What would a skeptic say about my project? What doubts do I have that I'm right? Some criticize psychologists for pathologizing normal human behaviors.

Grimm's fairy tales (1820s) were examples of horror literature, as were "penny dreadfuls" (mid 1800s). Using the lens of literary criticism is more appropriate for horror games than the lens of pscyhological therapy.

Perspective

leafstevens — 2024-03-19 14:40:46 UTC

Freudian death wish theory