Horror films allow us to rehearse possible threatening scenarios from a position of relative safety.
Movie monsters provide us with the opportunity to see and learn strategies for coping with real-life monsters.
Successful horror fiction is usually realistic in its portrayals of human psychology and relationships.
The pleasure of horror films comes from the relief that follows once characters escape danger.
Viewing horror films may be a rite of passage for young people, providing them with an opportunity to fulfill their traditional gender roles.