Is Escapism Good for Your Well Being?
As a child visiting the doctor to get a flu shot, was it easier to get through while blowing on a pinwheel or listening to someone sing? Studies have shown that being distracted truly can reduce pain. Harvard Health declares, “human brains have a limited capacity for attention. Given a demanding enough task, people will have less attention to give to their pain.” In a research study published by Cell Press, individuals were asked to complete a mental task while they experienced painful levels of heat. When they were given more immersive mental tasks, they felt less discomfort and their bodies experienced a more minor reaction. As researchers and other individuals have known for years, providing people with ways to escape from reality can reduce realities’ painful effects. Escapism, or “the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities, especially by seeking entertainment or engaging in fantasy,” as defined by the Oxford dictionary, helps people persist through life’s challenges. There are numerous forms of escapism and some are more beneficial than others.
We all face unpleasant realities and challenges as we navigate our way through life. These challenges can cause poor mental or physical health and 1 in 5 United States citizens struggle with mental health yearly based on data from the CDC. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers have only risen. 40% of United States adults reported struggling with mental health and 30.9% reported symptoms of depression during the pandemic, as reported by Czeisler MÉ and the CDC. Utilizing escapism properly can boost mental and physical health by helping people grapple with harsh realities, maintain positive attitudes, gain intelligence, overcome challenges, and become more empathic.
Many individuals enjoy watching films to escape. Millions of people in the United States, myself included, went to see the 2019 film, Star Wars the Rise of Skywalker, which made $1.078 billion in the box office according to CNBC. Masses of people spent two hours and twenty-two minutes of their time escaping into this science fiction and action film. In an interview with Larry King, Stephen Hawking explained, “science fiction is useful both for stimulating the imagination and for diffusing fear of the future.” In other words, when people watch films based in the future, they consider how they could create that future in their lives, shaping their futures by engaging with a false one. A test on the benefits of science fiction films was performed on 771 students in grades nine and above by Leroy W. Dubeck and other physics professors from Temple University and The University of Nebraska. Science fiction films, including Star Wars, were screened during half of the students’ classes. All teachers noticed cognitive development, more positive attitudes towards science, and a better understanding of the discovery process in the classes that viewed sci-fi films compared to those that did not. As explained by Leroy W. Dubeck and the other professors, “science-fiction films can help reverse the negative attitudes that many students have toward true science by moving them from a familiar experience they enjoy, such as watching science-fiction films, to an enthusiastic appreciation of unfamiliar experiences that they might otherwise expect to be dull and difficult.” Furthermore, scientists Laprice and Winrich surveyed college students who were not studying science, finding that “science fiction enhanced [individuals’] interest and understanding of, science and technology.” Utilizing escapism by watching science fiction movies can increase imagination, build knowledge, create positive attitudes toward learning, and strengthen problem-solving skills.
The ability to imagine and empathize is essential for everyone’s well-being. Without imagination, individuals cannot create solutions to any problems they are facing. Most people accept that reading increases vocabulary and allows for greater knowledge, however, escaping into fantasy books also expands a person’s imagination and helps them become more equipped to empathize and handle issues they face in the real world. According to Kim Painter from USA Today, “young readers of Harry Potter books — in which outcasts become heroes — developed more positive attitudes toward stigmatized groups such as immigrants, gay people and refugees, in studies of children and college students.” Through learning about the strength of empathy in a fantasy world, people can learn to apply the same skills in their reality. By reading Harry Potter or any other fantasy book, individuals engage in this popular form of escapism. I myself am a Potterhead and reading a chapter of Harry Potter before I go to sleep always helps me comprehend any conflicts I faced that day.
Although escapism can be beneficial, it is essential for individuals to make healthy decisions regarding what forms they utilize. Many view drugs or alcohol as forms of escapism. These forms do not take people to a different world, but to a different state of mind. These substances can lead to unhealthy addiction and disorders including alcoholism. While it can be healthy for individuals of the appropriate age to enjoy an occasional alcoholic beverage, instead of reverting to these potentially harmful forms of escapism, read a book or watch a movie. There are no federal laws against reading books or watching movies, regardless of age. There are other healthy forms of escapism to explore as well including exercising, traveling, cooking, listening to music, or creating art, each with its own unique benefits.
However, as is true with most things, using escapism too often or too much can cause damage. How can a person find success if they spend more time entertaining fantasy than reality? If people avoid their issues too much, they may become lonely or develop depressive symptoms. It is about striking a balance. Everyone should engage with their challenges and remain grounded in reality but, they should not be afraid to utilize escapism to help them along the way.
In this new year, escape and go see that new movie starring a favorite actor or go read a book by a new author. Escapism has the power to make everyone happier and healthier.
Works Cited
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