A Good Scare

There’s a peculiar paradox at the heart of Halloween. As the nights draw in, we willingly seek out things that make us scream: haunted houses, horror movie marathons, and ghost stories told in the dark. Our hearts race, our palms sweat, and we jump at the slightest noise. So why do we do it? Why do we pay good money to be terrified? The answer lies not in the haunted house, but within the fascinating wiring of our own brains.

It all boils down to the difference between real threat and perceived danger. When we watch Michael Myers stalk a teenager on screen or a zombie leaps out from behind a corner in a haunted attraction, our ancient survival instincts kick into high gear. The amygdala, the brain’s fear centre, triggers a flood of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Our heart rate and breathing quicken, pumping oxygen to our muscles for a classic fight-or-flight response. Our senses become hyper-alert.

But crucially, a part of our brain, the prefrontal cortex, remains aware of the safety net. It knows the zombie is just an actor in makeup and the serial killer on screen can’t actually hurt us. This creates a unique state of simultaneous heightened senses and safety. We experience the intense physiological rush of fear without any of the real-world peril. It’s a thrill ride. This chemical cocktail is oddly enjoyable; the surge of adrenaline can be exhilarating, and the subsequent release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, leaves us feeling euphoric and accomplished once the threat has passed. It’s also why rollercoasters are so enjoyable, though many not during the ride itself! ‘Oblivion’ at Alton Towers anyone?

This controlled experience of fear is more than just fun; it can be genuinely good for us. Psychologists point to several benefits. Firstly, it’s a form of exposure therapy in a safe context. Navigating a scary situation and emerging unscathed can build resilience and boost confidence, providing a sense of mastery over our emotions. It’s a workout for our emotional regulation skills, teaching us to manage acute stress when the stakes are inconsequentially low.

Secondly, shared scares are a powerful social glue. Screaming and laughing together in a haunted house or huddling on the couch during a scary movie creates strong social bonds. These shared intense experiences foster a sense of camaraderie and collective survival, releasing another feel-good chemical: oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.”

Finally, in a world where the news is scary enough, filled with abstract, intangible anxieties, from climate change to economic pressures, the fears of Halloween are refreshingly simple. They have a clear face: a ghost, a monster, a chainsaw-wielding maniac. And they have a clear resolution: the movie ends, you walk out of the haunted house, the sun comes up on November 1st. This provides a cathartic release for our everyday nerves, allowing us to project our general unease onto a specific, conquerable villain.

So, this Halloween, as you feel your heart pound in your chest, remember, you’re not just having fun. You’re engaging in a ancient, complex psychological dance. You’re giving your fear response a healthy and thrilling workout, forging bonds with your fellow thrill-seekers, and emerging feeling more alive, resilient, and genuinely happy on the other side. Go ahead, embrace the scare. Your brain will thank you

for it.

Image Credits: Elina Araja via pexels.com / rita e via pixabay.com