[Mictlantechutli]

We're at war.

The writing and directing of these gore-soaked films reflect the climate of cruelty across the globe right now. Many of the 1970s exploitation flicks were direct offshoots of Vietnam. Tom Savini openly admits that his time spent in Vietnam as a photographer shaped the way he created effects, and his gore effects lead the way for our current level of what's acceptable.

Things cooled off for a while and there was a general sense of global peace through the nineties, and these films faded away.

But the world is a very violent place these days. These films simply reflect current fears - which is the horror film's duty.

As for physical trauma, it's a movie. It can't leap off the screen and physically assault you. I'm sure you meant emotional/psychological trauma...and no, not traumatized by films regardless of their impact.