Publication:
The Roars of Demons: Exploratory Research on Students’ Psychological Responses to Horror Films in Malaysia

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Abstract

Horror films were effectively banned for three decades in the Muslim-majority country. Then, after the retirement of strongman premier Mahathir Mohamad in 2003, horror films have risen from the dead. These films were banned because they celebrate the other-worldly in violation of Islamic teachings and have a powerful effect on viewers, causing them to experience a variety of emotional and physical reactions. Horror films have diverse narratives ranging from supernatural entities to psychological thrillers, and they have consistently succeeded at the box office. Horror films have a powerful effect on viewers, causing them to experience a variety of emotional and physical reactions. These films are made with the express purpose of inciting fear in viewers, causing them to experience a variety of emotional and physical reactions. Therefore, this qualitative study was carried out to delve into the psychological impact experienced by USIM students and the exploration of cultural influences of horror films. The thematic analysis of focus group discussions revealed that horror films can elicit intense emotional responses among university students, inducing feelings of fear, anxiety, and suspense. Physical reactions, such as screaming, reflex movements, and a sense of proximity to ominous elements depicted in the films, were vividly described by the students. The question arises again whether horror movies can contribute to Malaysia Madani’s vision of creating a civilized, skilled, and inclusive society based on six core values namely sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion to restore and uphold the pride and dignity of the society.

Description

E-Proceeding of 4th International Conference on Islam, Media and Communication (ICIMac 2024): “Communication & Digitisation in Madani Society”/ Muhammad Raqib Mohd Sofian, , Siti Suriani Othman, Safiyyah Sabri, Osama Kanaker & Ihab Ahmed Ra’uf Awais. 5th March 2024 Organized by : Faculty of Leadership & Management

Keywords

horror, films, psychological, thematic

Citation

Muhammad Raqib Mohd Sofian, Siti Suriani Othman, Safiyyah Sabri, Osama Kanaker, & Ihab Ahmed Ra’uf Awais (Eds.). (2024). In 4th International Conference on Islam, Media and Communication (ICIMac 2024) (pp. 1–501).