To find out how horror movies create spine-tingling suspense, researchers measured the electrical activity coming from viewers’ sweat glands.
The goal is to give the media industry an evidence-based framework for the construction of suspense for scenes in feature length films, video games, movie trailers, and experimental digital story experiences.
Volunteers watched 32 short film clips from eight feature-length horror films and their experience of suspense was assessed by monitoring electrodermal activity (EDA)—a response created by the release of sweat from the eccrine glands. These glands react when we experience anxiety, fear, or stress—it’s the reaction that makes our palms sweat.
