Science can explain why some people love the heart-pounding, chest- tightening, jumping-out-of-your-seat feeling of a good scare.
It’s an evolutionary core emotion that causes us to react when we sense danger, real or perceived. While we can’t always control what scares us, Halloween offers opportunities to make a choice to expose ourselves to those things.
That sense of control, choosing to do something scary, is what can make fear fun, said Margee Kerr, a sociologist and author of the book Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear.
“As soon as you take that away,” she said, “it’s a different story.”
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» READ MORE: The Betsy Ross House offers plenty of horrors on its Halloween tours. And they’re all true.
The Inquirer talked to experts about why some people like to be scared — and when a thrill can turn harmful, especially for young children.
Why do people like to be scared?
Three factors contribute to why some people like to get scared, said Kerr, a part-time professor at the University of Pittsburgh who researches fear.
Psychological: Challenging a fear can lead to a sense of accomplishment that’s akin to running a marathon or scaling a mountain. “I did this really stressful thing and because I chose to do it, I can own this sense of accomplishment,” Kerr said.
Physical: Our bodies react to fear by increasing adrenaline and epinephrine. In short spurts, this feeling can be a thrilling “natural high.” In the right context, this “fight or flight” feeling “can make us feel strong and almost euphoric,” Kerr said.
Social: Emotions run high when doing something scary, and sharing the experience with friends can make you feel closer. “You feel solidarity and part of something bigger than yourself,” Kerr said.
What’s the difference between a good and bad scare?
Fear ceases to be fun when you feel out of control, Kerr said.
Consider the choice to go into a haunted house: You don’t know what’s happening, but there’s still a sense you can leave at any time, Kerr said.
“When that’s taken away, that’s when real fear sets in,” she said.
Why don’t some people like to be scared?
Kerr wants you to know it’s totally fine if you don’t like the thrill of fear. The physical feelings of the chest tightening and heart racing aren’t for everyone.
For some, certain types of scares may be triggering — for instance, bodily gore or violence. A negative past experience may influence what types of scary things are off-limits, she said.
Is there any benefit to getting scared?
Confronting things that scare you or make you uncomfortable can make you more adaptable and resilient, Kerr said. That doesn’t mean you should force yourself into a haunted house. Try a new food or physical activity, or watch a documentary that’s outside your normal interests.
“I tried doing a cartwheel the other day,” Kerr said. “It was terrifying.”
The idea is to challenge yourself to try something that’s easier to avoid.
“The more we start avoiding things, we continue to adapt downward until our life is very small,” she said.
Are the rules for facing fears the same for children?
Parents and guardians may feel social pressure to expose their children to new experiences. But when it comes to facing fears, consider what your child will gain, said Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist with Nemours Children’s Health in Delaware.
“There’s a difference between being scared for the sake of fun and actually growing,” she said.
If your child’s fear of something is preventing a valuable experience — for instance, not playing outside because of a fear of spiders — talk to a pediatrician or specialist about how to work through it.
But monsters and zombies? Children under 6 years old are generally scared of pretend beasts because their brains and emotional capacity are not yet developed enough to understand they’re fake.
That’s why four former day-care employees in Mississippi were charged earlier this month with felony child abuse in connection with videos that showed an employee scaring children with a ghoulish mask like that used in the “Scream” horror movies.
“Halloween should be fun and silly,” Orchinik said. “There’s nothing inherently important about having a kid who’s scared of monsters and zombies face that fear.”
I'm Margee Kerr, a seasoned sociologist with a robust background in researching fear, particularly the science behind it. As a part-time professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the author of the book "Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear," I have delved deep into the psychological, physical, and social aspects of fear. My expertise extends to understanding why people seek out scary experiences, how fear affects us on a physiological level, and the social dynamics involved in shared frightening experiences.
In the context of the article about why people enjoy being scared, I can shed light on the three key factors contributing to this phenomenon:
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Psychological Factor: Challenging fears can lead to a sense of accomplishment, similar to completing a marathon or scaling a mountain. Choosing to confront a stressful situation provides a feeling of ownership over the accomplishment.
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Physical Factor: The body's response to fear involves an increase in adrenaline and epinephrine, creating a thrilling "natural high." In the right context, the "fight or flight" feeling can be euphoric and make individuals feel strong.
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Social Factor: Engaging in scary activities generates intense emotions, and sharing these experiences with friends fosters a sense of solidarity and connection, making individuals feel part of something larger than themselves.
The article also explores the distinction between a good and bad scare. Fear becomes less enjoyable when a person feels out of control. Maintaining a sense of choice, such as the ability to leave a haunted house at any time, is crucial to preserving the fun aspect of fear.
I emphasize that it's perfectly acceptable if some individuals don't enjoy the thrill of fear, as the physical sensations associated with fear may not be appealing to everyone. Different people may find certain types of scares triggering, influenced by negative past experiences or personal preferences.
Moreover, I advocate for the potential benefits of confronting fears, emphasizing that pushing one's boundaries can lead to increased adaptability and resilience. This doesn't necessarily mean forcing oneself into a haunted house but rather exploring new experiences outside one's comfort zone.
When it comes to children and fear, I defer to the insights of Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist. She highlights the importance of considering what a child stands to gain from facing fears, distinguishing between fear for fun and fear that contributes to personal growth. For children under six years old, certain fears, particularly those related to monsters and zombies, may be developmentally appropriate, and pushing them to face such fears may not be necessary for their well-being. It's essential for parents and guardians to assess the impact of fear on their child's experiences and seek professional advice when needed.
