Abstract

Why do so many people seek out fear for fun? And why has Stephen King—America’s master of horror—remained a cultural force for over fifty years? In this talk, I explore horror entertainment as both a psychological puzzle and a cultural phenomenon. Drawing on recent research from the Recreational Fear Lab, I present new findings on how frightening fiction, films, and experiences can serve surprising functions—from emotional regulation and social bonding to mental and even physical health benefits. I also introduce my new book project, supported by the Carlsberg Foundation, which investigates King’s enduring popularity through a combination of literary analysis, cognitive psychology, and digital humanities. This project opens up a series of questions about fear, storytelling, and cultural resonance. What does horror reveal about the human mind? And what makes King’s particular brand of fear so compelling, decade after decade?

Short Bio

Mathias Clasen is Associate Professor of Literature and Media at Aarhus University and co-director of the Recreational Fear Lab. He has published widely on horror fiction and the psychology of fear, including two books with Oxford University Press. He recently received a Carlsberg Foundation Monograph Fellowship to write The Master of Fear: Why Stephen King Became Everybody’s Favorite Boogeyman, an interdisciplinary study of King’s popularity.

What is an AIAS Seminar?

The AIAS Seminar Series is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellows, AIAS Visiting or Tandem Fellows or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, a fellow will present and discuss her/his current research and work-in-progress to an interdisciplinary audience for 30 minutes, closing off with 30 minutes for questions, comments and discussion.

All seminars are in-person and held in English. To attend online, please contact Cecilie Horshauge at cecilie@aias.au.dk by 9:00am on the day of the semimar as the latest to request a link.