Watching true crime to relax could be a red flag according to one psychologist - which is a revelation that might come as a surprise to a few people.
Shows centered around true crime are usually an absolute hit with viewers, be that documentary or a series based on true events, they usually get people talking.
We've all sat down and delved into the world of crime, with hit series like Making A Murderer and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story - it's impossible not to.
Despite the widespread enjoyment, what if watching these shows isn't exactly healthy? Well, one psychologist insists that they come with problems.
Shows like Dahmer are immensely popular. Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty
Doctor Thema Bryant appeared on the Mel Robbins Podcast to discuss the trauma that could potentially come with binge-watching true crime shows.
"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 questioned. "That's what it is. Harm, crime, violation, attacks, and that's what is going to soothe me into my bedtime."
During the podcast, Robbins delved further into the subject, asking Dr. Bryant about her experiences with patients who consume true crime content. The psychologist revealed that many individuals find such media "normal and familiar."
"Some of us grew up in high-stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring. And it's like, to come home to yourself you have to lean into the discomfort because it's gonna feel unfamiliar," Dr. Bryant explained.
A snippet of the podcast was shared on the @melrobbins TikTok account, sparking a flurry of comments from viewers eager to share their own reasons for indulging in true crime shows.
One user commented: "I watch true crime and fall asleep to it. Not sure why bc I didn't have any childhood trauma," while a second commented: "Is it trauma [though]? Isn’t it more [about] solving a puzzle or a feeling of comeuppance in an unfair world?"
A third person added: "The trauma isn't relaxing to me- it's the justice the characters/real people often get that I never did in my own life."
.webp_64QEz4?tr=h-184)