People who watch true crime to relax typically display these 8 traits, according to psychology

There’s an intriguing link between relaxation and watching true crime. Sounds odd, right?

You might think of yoga or meditation when relaxation comes to mind, not gruesome tales of murder and deceit. But for some people, true crime shows are their go-to wind-down activity.

And get this: according to psychology, these folks often share similar traits.

In this article, we’ll dive into what these traits are and why true crime might be their ultimate chill-out fix. Let’s begin.

1) They’re naturally curious

True crime enthusiasts, you’ve probably been called “morbid” or “macabre”. But let’s flip the script.

According to psychologists, it’s not a fascination with death that draws you in, but a deep-rooted curiosity.

True crime fans often share an inherent need to understand the human mind, particularly what drives certain individuals to commit heinous acts.

This curiosity is not just about the gory details, but about the whys and hows of criminal behavior. It’s an exploration of human psychology and societal norms.

So next time someone questions your relaxation method, just tell them: you’re exercising your curiosity. And who can argue with that?

2) They’re detail-oriented

Now, let me share a personal tidbit. I’ve always been a fan of puzzles and mysteries. As a kid, I would spend hours piecing together jigsaw puzzles and reading detective novels.

Fast forward to adulthood and my love for intricacies hasn’t waned. Instead, it’s shifted to true crime documentaries and podcasts.

And this trait isn’t just unique to me.

Many true crime enthusiasts are detail-oriented – they thrive on the process of piecing together clues and connecting the dots.

They appreciate the comprehensive nature of true crime content – the timelines, the in-depth exploration of motives, the careful dissection of evidence – all those little details that build up to form a complete picture.

So if you, like me, find relaxation in unravelling a complex crime story, you’re not alone. It’s not about the crime per se, but about appreciating the complexity and intricacy of the narrative woven around it.

3) They’re empathetic

Surprisingly, empathy is a common trait among true crime fans.

While it may seem counterintuitive, watching true crime can foster a sense of compassion and understanding for the victims and their families.

This empathy extends beyond the screen or the pages of a book. It can lead to greater awareness about the importance of justice and societal safety.

In fact, some studies suggest that people who watch true crime are more likely to take precautions against becoming victims themselves.

This is attributed to their heightened understanding of crime and its consequences, gained from their engagement with true crime content.

So while it might seem like an odd way to relax, true crime consumption can actually contribute to a greater sense of empathy and societal awareness.

4) They’re thrill-seekers

Does your heart race during a suspenseful scene? Do you get a rush from unexpected plot twists? If so, you might just be a thrill-seeker.

True crime fans often exhibit this trait. It’s the suspense and unpredictability that keeps them hooked, much like a high-speed rollercoaster or a nerve-wracking suspense thriller.

The adrenaline rush that comes from watching true crime is part of the appeal. The suspense builds, the heart rate quickens, and there’s a genuine sense of thrill that comes from trying to solve the mystery before the big reveal.

This isn’t about glorifying crime or seeking out danger, but rather about enjoying the safe thrill that true crime provides.

Just as some people might skydive or bungee jump for kicks, true crime fans get their adrenaline fix from their couches.

It’s about having a controlled adventure – getting the rush without the risk.

5) They value justice

True crime isn’t just about the crimes themselves, but about the pursuit of justice.

For many fans, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a crime solved, a mystery unraveled, and justice served.

It’s a reassurance that despite the chaos and evil in the world, there’s still a system in place that seeks to right the wrongs.

True crime stories often highlight the tireless efforts of detectives, prosecutors, and everyday heroes who won’t rest until justice is done. This can be incredibly heartening and inspiring.

So while the crimes themselves may be gruesome and unsettling, the resolution can offer a sense of relief and closure. This journey from chaos to order, from crime to justice, is what resonates with many true crime fans.

It’s not just about the dark side of humanity, but about the relentless pursuit of truth and justice – a testament to our collective resilience and belief in fairness.

6) They appreciate storytelling

Growing up, I was always captivated by stories. Whether it was a fairy tale from my grandmother or a blockbuster film, the power of a well-told story never failed to draw me in.

This love for storytelling didn’t disappear as I got older. Instead, it found a new avenue in true crime.

True crime presents real-life stories with all their complexities, nuances, and human elements. The narrative is unpredictable because it’s based on reality, and this unpredictability adds a layer of intrigue that’s hard to resist.

It’s not the crime that hooks us, it’s the story. The why and how behind the what.

The exploration of motives, the unfolding of events, the revelation of secrets – all these elements come together to create a compelling narrative.

7) They’re resilient

True crime is not for the faint-hearted. It exposes us to some of the darkest aspects of human behaviour, and it takes a certain level of resilience to engage with such content.

True crime fans often have the capacity to confront uncomfortable truths and navigate distressing narratives. They can handle the hard-hitting truths that come with exploring real-life crime stories.

This resilience doesn’t mean they are immune to the emotional impact of these stories. Instead, it suggests they have the ability to process and cope with difficult emotions, which is a valuable life skill.

8) They’re critical thinkers

Perhaps the most crucial trait shared by true crime fans is their ability to think critically.

Engaging with true crime requires you to question narratives, analyze evidence, and evaluate motives.

It’s not a passive consumption of content, but an active engagement that stimulates your critical thinking skills.

True crime fans often find themselves playing detective – questioning the presented facts, drawing their own conclusions, and examining every detail.

This critical engagement is not just confined to their consumption of true crime. It can extend to other areas of their lives, fostering a more questioning and analytical approach.

As a true crime fan, you’re not just a viewer or a listener.

You’re an active participant in the narrative, using your critical thinking skills to understand the complexities of human behaviour and the intricacies of our justice system.

Unraveling the mystery

True crime doesn’t just offer a glimpse into the darkest corners of human behavior, but also reflects our shared traits – curiosity, empathy, resilience, and a penchant for critical thinking.

In essence, our fascination with true crime is a testament to our complex nature as humans. It’s a mirror reflecting not just our fears and anxieties, but also our relentless pursuit of truth and understanding.