Psychologist warns it's a major red flag if you relax while enjoying true crime stories

We all have our preferred genre when it comes to film and TV - whether it be horror, rom-com, or comedy.

But if you like to watch true crime stories to unwind in the evening, then you may have a bit of a problem, according to one psychologist.

So, if you are a fan of Serial, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, or Making a Murderer, then listen up.

Of course, those popular TV shows tell important stories that need to be heard, but it's apparently a major red flag if you relax while enjoying these types of programmes.

Psychologist Dr. Thema Bryant sat down with motivational speaker Mel Robbins on her The Mel Robbins Podcast to discuss how people can reconnect and heal themselves after going through a though time.

The expert specializes in family, marriage, and sexual therapy - but she touched on an interesting topic in the podcast that launched last year.

Dr. Bryant revealed those who consume violent media may do so for a very specific reason.

"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'?" she said.

"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 continued.

Many have since flocked to social media with Dr. Bryant's words sounding all too familiar.

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"It distracts me from the pain I’m feeling in my life. I don’t like it, it just redirects my anger," one user penned.

A second added: "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 a third remarked: "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."

Professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Dr. Elizabeth Jeglic, subsequently provided some explanation as to why trauma survivors may find true crime tales interesting.

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

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

Dr. Jeglic 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."