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John O'Hagan

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Papers by John O'Hagan

Research paper thumbnail of We are the things that were and shall be again: Repetition compulsion and the attraction of horror films

This integrative review examines the similar themes in literature on psychological trauma and th... more This integrative review examines the similar themes in literature on
psychological trauma and the horror film genre. The current study utilizes a
guiding theory based on the psychoanalytic notion of repetition compulsion, to
attempt further explanation of the attraction of the horror genre. In an attempt to
find evidence supporting this theory, studies on both psychological trauma and
horror films were reviewed and integrated. Correlations such as the similar
narratives between horror films and psychological trauma, traumatic histories of
well-known horror authors and directors, and research on horror fan preferences
are all highlighted. Finally, suggestions for further research are provided.

Research paper thumbnail of We are the things that were and shall be again: Repetition compulsion and the attraction of horror films

This integrative review examines the similar themes in literature on psychological trauma and th... more This integrative review examines the similar themes in literature on
psychological trauma and the horror film genre. The current study utilizes a
guiding theory based on the psychoanalytic notion of repetition compulsion, to
attempt further explanation of the attraction of the horror genre. In an attempt to
find evidence supporting this theory, studies on both psychological trauma and
horror films were reviewed and integrated. Correlations such as the similar
narratives between horror films and psychological trauma, traumatic histories of
well-known horror authors and directors, and research on horror fan preferences
are all highlighted. Finally, suggestions for further research are provided.

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