Why sad movies can make you happy
Updated: Aug. 23, 2012
Tear-jerkers don’t necessarily make you feel sad. Find out why you may actually feel happier in the end
Source: Best Health Magazine, September 2012; Image credit: iStockphoto.com
Sobbing through Titanic for the 10th time may have actually contributed to your happiness. A new study from Ohio State University found that watching a tragic movie caused people to think about their loved ones, which boosted their overall happiness by drawing attention to the positive aspects of their lives. How happy could a tear-jerker make you? Well, that depends on the extent to which the sad movie leads you to think about your own close relationships, say researchers. The more you think about your loved ones, the greater your increase in happiness.
This article was originally titled "Sad movies make you happy" in the September 2012 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!
