With Halloween just around the corner, many of us are feeling the urge to visit haunted houses, watch horror movies, and read ghost stories. Sarah Kollat, a teaching professor of psychology at Penn State University, explains that there are numerous psychological reasons why individuals enjoy the thrill of fear.
Kollat has been going on to say that the appeal of being scared isn’t just a seasonal thing. Rather, it is the unfortunate byproduct of ingrained human impulses and psychologies. “There are lots of reasons people like to be scared,” she states. For tens of millions of Americans, fall is synonymous with the “spooky season.” To them, fear becomes an exciting journey rather than a source of fear.
As All Hallows’ Tide approaches, many of us try to find experiences that make our hair stand on end. These can be anything from bingeing horror movies to visiting haunted houses. Kollat stresses that activities like these allow for a controlled setting where people can face their fears. This safe environment gives them the chance to navigate their responses and feelings in a place where nothing truly bad can happen.
Additionally, Schott pointed out, the enjoyment of fear promotes social cohesion. Participating in thrilling experiences together with friends or family fosters an atmosphere of shared excitement, leading to deeper connections. Kollat wants to remind people about the power of collective enjoyment. It builds a closeness between people because you’re all scared together.
Moreover, the adrenaline surge that accompanies fear can produce a more intense feeling of thrill and pleasure. In times of scary events, the body produces stress hormones such as adrenaline. When the danger is over, this often translates into deep feelings of joy and elation. This reason is a physiological response which accounts for a large part of why so many people enjoy the thrill of fear.
Kollat points out that the psychological impacts of fear are different for everyone. And yet while some people might really enjoy the adrenaline of horror-themed experiences, for many they might be more than they can handle. Recognizing these distinctions is key in realizing the depth of human discord born out of fear.
“There are lots of reasons people like to be scared.” – Sarah Kollat, Penn State University
