Mathias Clasen researches horror fiction and recreational fear, focusing on the psychological mechanisms that drive human fascination with the frightening. He is the co-director of the Recreational Fear Lab, an interdisciplinary research group that studies the mental and physical effects of recreational fear, exploring how scary experiences can have surprisingly positive outcomes. The lab’s work has been supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and Innovation Fund Denmark.
Clasen has published widely on the horror genre. His 2017 book, Why Horror Seduces, offers a biocultural exploration of why people are drawn to horror fiction, while his 2021 book, A Very Nervous Person’s Guide to Horror Movies, is a research-based introduction to horror films and their psychological impact. He is currently working on a book about Stephen King’s enduring popularity, with support from the Carlsberg Foundation.