If you’re like many people, a cozy Friday night means slipping into your pajamas and getting comfortable on the couch. What’s better than unwinding with a gripping true crime series on Netflix, right?

Your Fascination with Unsolved Murders and Serial Killers Could Mean Something

But did you know that a psychologist has pointed out that this habit might be more than just a love for crime dramas?

There’s no denying that true crime shows are fascinating. They often delve into the darkest corners of human behavior and unravel mysteries that leave everyone on edge. However, psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant has recently suggested that an obsession with these kinds of TV shows could indicate something more profound.

Dr. Bryant was invited by Mel Robbins on her podcast, The Mel Robbins Podcast, to discuss how individuals cope with life difficulties.

During their conversation, Dr. Bryant offered an intriguing perspective. She noted that people who find relaxation in these violent TV shows might be doing so because the trauma feels familiar to them. She explained that for some, growing up in high-stress environments has conditioned them to find peace boring.

Dr. Bryant elaborated, “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?’

“Some of us grew up in high stress [situations], so people mistake peace for boring. To come home to yourself, you have to lean into the discomfort because it’s gonna feel unfamiliar,” she said.

Her insights suggest that if you find yourself unwinding to true crime, it might be a signal that you need to address deep-seated issues, possibly with the help of a counselor or therapist.

Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, also weighed in on this issue. Speaking to Crime Reads, Dr. Jeglic noted that survivors of trauma might be particularly drawn to true crime stories.