By Daniel Christopher- Art in Tanzania Internships

Nowadays films occupy a significant portion of the media products consumed by people in the world, cinema is being considered as a means of individual and social transformation, which makes a contribution to the formation of the audience’s outlook, including their attitudes towards topical social issues. At the same time, the question of the effectiveness of films’ impact remains an open question in psychological science. According to theempirical orientation of our approach to the study of mass media influence.

Aside from having a few hours of fun with friends and family, watching films can also be a form of therapy. Apart from the obvious — escaping our own lives and problems for a short time, according to Birgit Wolz, PhD., MFT, who facilitates cinema therapy groups, at once said: “Cinema therapy can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth for anybody who is open to learning how movies affect us and to watching certain films with conscious awareness. Cinema therapy allows us to use the effect of imagery, plot, music, etc. in films on our psyche for insight, inspiration, emotional release or relief and natural change”.

While cinema therapy is a “real thing” sometimes prescribed by therapists, it is often self- administered. Being aware that movies can change the way we think, feel, and ultimately deal with life’s ups and downs can make watching them invaluable, situation. For example, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you might want to watch Clean and Sober or When a Man Loves a Woman. If you are coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one, one of the many movies dealing with these issues might be helpful.

THIS ARE THE WAYS ON HOW WATCHING MOVIES CAN BE HELPFUL

Watching movies encourages emotional release. Even those who often have trouble expressing their emotions might find themselves laughing or crying during a film. This release of emotions can have a cathartic effect and also make it easier for a person to become more comfortable in expressing their emotions. This can be invaluable during counseling as well as in “real life.”

Sad films can make us happier. While it might seem counter-intuitive, I think many of us can relate to this. I know that after I watch a particularly sad or distressing film, I feel thankful for my own life and my “smaller” problems in comparison. Others’ tragedies make us more appreciative of everything good in our own lives.

Watching movies can help us make sense of our own lives. For thousands of years, knowledge and wisdom have been passed down through the art of story-telling. Stories offer us different perspectives and help us understand and make sense of the world. And movies are stories.

As mentioned in the second paragraph of this post, movies give us a break from whatever is currentlybothering us. We are transported to a different time and place and can just focus on the present moment for a short time. This gives our brains a much-needed rest from “the usual.”

Movies bring us a sense of relief, even if they stress us out first. Watching something suspenseful releases cortisol (the stress hormone) in the brain, followed by dopamine, which produces feelings of pleasure.

Going out to a movie theater is not for everyone. Some of us struggle with sensory issues or being in crowds. And others just prefer to watch movies at home, on the couch and in their pajamas. The good news is it doesn’t matter if you’re watching Netflix at home or sitting in a crowded theater. The results are the same — watching movies is good for us.

Best advice for students

Baron and Byrne [10] suggests that one will feel empathy for the fictitious character as to the victim in real life.The fictitious character may be the role of a character in a film. Movies can have a positive effect on other words improving empathy is a positive thing. Film or cinema therapy is a method of using film to give a positive effect on the patient

Reference

Hampton, D. (2018, November 24). How watching movies can help your mental health [blog post]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/movie-help-mental-health-therapy/