Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: smart on 14/05/2017 10:21:05

Title: How does cinematherapy work?
Post by: smart on 14/05/2017 10:21:05

Do you believe in the healing power of films?  :o

Title: Re: How does cinematherapy work?
Post by: chris on 15/05/2017 12:39:12

I've never heard of such a concept in an official capacity, but there is no reason why films could be used as part of a CBT strategy or to help people to overcome certain problems.

Title: Re: How does cinematherapy work?
Post by: Colin2B on 15/05/2017 12:47:39

I have read, but can't quote ref, that listening to music and reading a novel can give similar brainwaves to meditation.
I know running can also seem quite medetive sometimes. Don't see why various 'switch off' activities shouldn't be beneficial.

Title: Re: How does cinematherapy work?
Post by: smart on 27/08/2017 09:47:30

Yesterday I watched "Jack Reacher: Never go back" and I cried at the end. For me watching a movie can be profoundly therapeutic, as it helps to evacuate emotional stress.

Like experiencing a lucid dream, it seem the dopaminergic system is deeply implicated in the emotional process of cinematherapy.

See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16239763

Title: Re: How does cinematherapy work?
Post by: evan_au on 27/08/2017 21:57:44

Watching a movie can get you out of the normal routine, and take you to places (or times, or emotional experiences) that you would not normally see.

Too much work is not good for you - or too much play, either!