Educational Media Reviews Online

Why are we afraid of certain experiences? Has fear evolved to be as effective in modern times as it was for our early existence? How can we get over fear that is damaging to our well-being? Some heavy-hitters in the world of neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry provide answers in The Hidden Face of Fear.

Using one of our country’s most traumatic events in recent history—the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center—scientists and researchers were able to study the resulting effects of fear, anxiety, and most directly, post traumatic stress syndrome, on the human population closest to Ground Zero. Several scientists and physicians formed a group called The Center for the Neuroscience of Fear and Anxiety to study the relationship between fear and the brain. Memories, thoughts, direct and indirect exposure to fearful events, psychotherapy, all of these mechanisms plus others are discussed in relation to creating and controlling fear and anxiety.

Through the profiles of three people who were adversely affected in differing ways and intensity by the events of 9/11, a variety of neuroscience research results are presented. Among those included are the connection between thought and emotion; the interrelationships of the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and exposure to anxiety; importance of active coping; and research into a genetic component. Research in neuroscience as well as psychotherapy is uncovering amazing findings. One point in particular stands out—that psychotherapy can actually change brain anatomy. The application of these research findings is another part of this film that makes it a good choice for the classroom.

Cerasuolo and Fergnachino have created an interesting, detailed look at this relatively new branch of neuroscience research. The film is well done, production values are good, with some slight repetition of visuals that doesn’t detract much from the message of the film. The Hidden Face of Fear is recommended for college level library collections supporting neurosciences, psychology, psychiatry and social work courses. It may be slightly long for classroom viewing in its entirety, but instructors can easily choose segments from the DVD title menu. The concepts in the film are a solid example of real-life applications of scientific research. The material is a bit heady for a general audience but is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate level students.