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Psychologist Warns It's a Major Red Flag if You Relax While Enjoying True Crime Stories

True crime stories have surged in popularity, captivating audiences with their gripping narratives of real-life horrors. However, psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant has raised concerns about this trend, suggesting that unwinding with true crime content might be a significant red flag.

In a discussion with motivational speaker Mel Robbins on "The Mel Robbins Podcast," Dr. Bryant, a specialist in family, marriage, and sexual therapy, delved into the psychological reasons behind why some people find solace in violent media. She noted, "If your idea of relaxing before you go to sleep is to watch three episodes of Law and Order, [then] I would encourage you to think about 'why is trauma relaxing to me'?"

Dr. Bryant explained that individuals who grew up in high-stress environments might find peace unfamiliar and even boring. Therefore, they gravitate towards the chaos and trauma depicted in true crime stories as a misguided form of comfort. This tendency to find relaxation in trauma is a coping mechanism for dealing with unresolved stress and anxiety from their past.

Social media users have echoed Dr. Bryant's sentiments, sharing their personal experiences and realizations. One user commented, "It distracts me from the pain I’m feeling in my life. I don’t like it; it just redirects my anger." Another noted, "The trauma isn't relaxing to me - it's the justice the characters or real people often get that I never did in my own life." These reflections highlight a common theme: true crime offers a form of vicarious justice and control that many feel they lack in their own lives.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, explained that trauma survivors might be drawn to true crime as a way to re-experience trauma in a controlled environment. This, she suggests, can be a subconscious attempt to process and understand their own traumatic experiences.

While true crime can serve as a form of escapism or a method of coping for some, it raises important questions about mental health and the ways people seek comfort. The allure of true crime lies not just in its storytelling but in the psychological needs it fulfills for its audience. Dr. Bryant's and Dr. Jeglic's insights urge us to examine our viewing habits and consider the underlying reasons for our fascination with true crime.