Thrills & Chills: Understanding the Psychology behind Halloween Fear

October 31st, collectively known as Halloween, is that time of the year when all things spooky are enjoyed by people of all ages. It is when people actively seek out fear, whether it's through haunted houses, a marathon of your favourite horror movies or spooky activities. Halloween traditions are quite unique and differ from place to place, each country having its own way of celebrating life and death. But the most common way of celebrating the festival is through trick-or- treating, costume parties, pumpkin carving and fun, scary decorations. But the question to ponder upon is why do we,  as humans, enjoy feeling scared? 

Since the onset of mankind, fear has been a basic survival mechanism. Whenever we're faced with danger, our body activates the ‘fight-or- flight’ response, an instinctive physiological reaction to perceived threats. The brain releases adrenaline and other stress hormones (cortisol) which can heighten our senses, lead to increased heart rate and faster breathing. While fear is typically a negative emotion, in certain controlled environments like haunted houses, the rush can be exhilarating instead of terrifying. The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and emotions also plays an important role here. 

However, all kinds of situations and threats won't be perceived to be fun. There's a difference between ‘real fear’ and ‘fun fear’. Real fear arises from actual threats whereas fun fear occurs in specific situations when people know that they're safe. There's another concept that comes into play here, ‘suspension of disbelief’, wherein people actively allow themselves to be scared by all things scary, allowing them to experience the thrill without actual risk. 

Diving deeper into the neurological aspect of it, the neurotransmitter, Dopamine which is linked to pleasure and reward, has a crucial role in the enjoyment of fear. After having experienced something scary, like finishing a horror movie you've always chickened out of watching, the brain's reward system activates giving you a sense of achievement and accomplishment.  Some people enjoy horror more than others, because of having higher dopamine responses to fear-inducing activities.

Having hour-long horror movie marathons is one of the best ways to celebrate Halloween and there's a reason why it is so popular. It’s not just about the jump scares; it's about the anticipation. The slow buildup that keeps viewers on edge, triggering a sustained fear response. All the elements of the movie, including the lighting and suspenseful, eerie music add up to the buildup. Horror films allow viewers to release pent-up emotions by confronting their fears in a safe environment, this is known as ‘catharsis’.

Similarly, haunted houses are designed to evoke fear through sensory overload, loud sounds, sudden movements, flashing lights. People often enjoy the unpredictability that it brings, keeping them in a state of heightened alertness. Fear can also act as the catalyst for a collective bonding experience, particularly when you go to a haunted house with a group or watch a spooky movie together, creating a sense of camaraderie.

There are other factors that come into play, such as the personality type and whether someone is a sensation-seeker. Such individuals crave the adrenaline and rush that is experienced from something scary. Individual personality traits, genetics and past experiences can influence a person's enjoyment of fear. 

Long story short, Halloween fear is more than mere entertainment, it transforms into a unique psychological playground where individuals play with social norms by donning eerie costumes and exploring hidden aspects of their identity. From the thrill-seeking tendencies of adrenaline junkies to a milder exploration of mortality, it provides a paradoxical experience where people can enjoy fear without actual threat. Ultimately, the chills of Halloween reflect our deep-rooted need to confront the unknown, testing emotional limits while fostering social bonds.