Psychologist Warns Watching True Crime Stories To Relax Is A Major Red Flag

In recent years, true crime stories have gained immense popularity, captivating audiences with their thrilling narratives and the mysteries they unravel. 

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However, a growing concern has emerged as some individuals turn to these stories as a means to relax and unwind. While it may seem harmless on the surface, a prominent psychologist warns that this unusual behavior could be a major red flag.

The popularity of true crime shows has skyrocketed in recent years, captivating audiences who find themselves engrossed in binge-watching popular Netflix series like "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" and "Making a Murderer."

However, amidst the intrigue surrounding this genre, a psychologist has made a thought-provoking assertion.

According to this expert, if you find yourself watching violent or gritty media as a means to unwind and fall asleep, it may serve as a red flag regarding your trauma processing mechanism.

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According to Dr. Thema Bryant, using true crime shows as a way to relax before bed could suggest a familiarity with the portrayed trauma and may signal the need for counseling.

Speaking to Mel Robbins on The Mel Robbins Podcast, she said: "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?'

"That's what it is. Harm, crime, violation, attacks, and that's what is going to soothe me into my bedtime."

During a podcast interview, Mel, the host, inquired about the feedback Dr. Thema Bryant receives from individuals regarding their connection with true crime when seeking therapy. In response, the psychologist explained that many people express a sense of finding it "normal and familiar."

She added: "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."

The @melrobbins TikTok account shared a snippet of the podcast, prompting commenters to share their motivations for watching true crime shows.

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One person wrote: "The trauma isn't relaxing to me, it's the justice the characters or real people often get that I never did in my own life."

While another said: "It distracts me from the pain I'm feeling in my life. I don't like it, it just redirects my anger."

And a third added: "For me, it's solving the crime/puzzle, solving the problem."

There were also commenters who echoed Dr. Bryant's viewpoint, mentioning that once they started attending therapy and working on their trauma healing, their interest in true crime shows diminished.

Someone posted: "Damn. This really hits home. I used to watch so much chaos on TV, but after working hard on myself for the past two years I just can't anymore."

As someone else commented: "Ok this is really an eye-opener. I used to love true crime and now that I've been healing for over a year, it isn't even interesting to me."

Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, provided insights to Crime Reads regarding why trauma survivors might find true crime stories intriguing.

"Anecdotally, some people are drawn to the study of psychology to understand themselves and heal themselves," the clinical psychologist said.

"We have many people in psychology programs who have a history of active mental illness."

She added: "Similarly, I think it might be likely that people who have a history of trauma might be drawn to true crime to kind of re-experience those traumatic situations in a safe environment where they have more control."

If you can't fall asleep without watching multiple episodes of Law & Order, it may be beneficial for your own sake to do some soul-searching and reflect on this habit.