Enjoying Fear: The Science Behind Halloween Thrills
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – As Halloween approaches, researchers highlight that fear can actually be enjoyable. Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatry expert, explains that both fear and excitement activate similar brain circuits, leading to heightened feelings of focus and energy.
Activities like watching horror movies or visiting haunted houses offer a safe way to encounter fear. Javanbakht notes that the physical reactions we experience when scared—like a pounding heart—can make us feel more alive and alert.
Experts also suggest that managing fear can enhance social connections, making the “creeped out” experience a bonding activity among friends and family.
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