About the Author

Coltan Scrivner PhD is a research scientist who specializes in the psychology of morbid curiosity. His work appears in academic journals and popular media, and this book marks the culmination of his research, written for a general audience. With an engaging, accessible style, Morbidly Curious brings science to life in a short, easy read that packs a wealth of insight.

Understanding the Allure of the Morbid

What draws us to slow down and stare at a car crash? Why are we fascinated by horror movies and true crime? In Morbidly Curious: A Scientist Explains Why We Can't Look Away, Scrivner delves into the psychological and evolutionary roots of our attraction to life's darker side. Drawing on cutting-edge research, this book offers a compelling explanation for a universal human experience—not just a book about gore, but a deep dive into how morbid curiosity may help us process fear, death, and loss. Whether you're a horror fan, a psychology student, or someone navigating grief, this fresh perspective may change how you think about why we can't look away.

What Makes This Book Special?

Unlike typical self-help books on loss, Morbidly Curious takes a scientific approach. Scrivner presents evidence from psychology and neuroscience to explain our seemingly strange behaviours, making complex ideas easy to grasp with real-world examples. Readers note how the book helps them make sense of their own fascination with the macabre. It's not a prescriptive guide, but an illuminating exploration that could shift your views on death, fear, and even love.

Key Themes Explored

• The evolutionary purpose of morbid curiosity: How it may have helped our ancestors survive.
• The psychology of horror: Why we seek out scary movies and stories.
• Morbid curiosity and grief: How engaging with dark content can be a way to process loss.
• Individual differences: Why some people are more morbidly curious than others.

Each theme is grounded in research, not speculation. Scrivner's background as a scientist ensures the content is credible and thought-provoking.

Who Should Read This Book

• Horror enthusiasts and true crime fans looking for a deeper understanding of their interests.
• Individuals navigating grief or loss who want a scientific perspective.
• Psychology and neuroscience buffs interested in human behaviour.
• Anyone who has ever wondered why they can't stop looking at something disturbing.

Morbidly Curious is not a substitute for professional mental health care, but it may offer insights that complement other resources.

How This Book Can Help with Love and Loss

Though the category hints at love and loss, this book approaches these topics through the lens of morbid curiosity. Understanding why we are drawn to the morbid can be a valuable tool for those dealing with grief—it may help normalize the strange thoughts and feelings that arise after a loss. The book doesn't offer therapeutic advice, but it provides a framework for understanding our reactions. Readers have found it helpful in conversations with friends and family who don't share their fascination with life's darker side.

What Readers Are Saying

Readers praise the book for being informative and easy to digest. Many say it helped them understand their own fascination with horror and the macabre. It's been described as a great resource for horror fans, writers, and anyone curious about human nature. One reader mentioned it's a valuable resource for horror readers and authors, as well as Halloween enthusiasts. Another appreciated the thoughtful explanation of why we are drawn to certain types of content. Overall, the book has been well-received for its unique perspective.