Halloween and Our Love of the Scare
Nahi Rai, MS, LPC, ACS
on
October 31, 2024

As humans, we should ask: Why? What makes us spend money to feel scared by someone in a Freddy Kruger mask?
In our daily lives, we often go to great lengths and spend a lot to stay safe from fear. Many of us think the world has enough scares already.
But haunted houses aren’t just experiential Xanax. Halloween also has another, less discussed psychological benefit—it helps build bonds of friendship.
Researchers at Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab in Denmark found that people who enjoy horror media tend to be more emotionally tough during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to those who don’t like horror,” says Kollat. “The researchers believe this strength might come from the practice these fans get in handling fear and anxiety from their favorite entertainment.”
This indicates there are many reasons why Americans spend money on Halloween. The thrill of the spooky fun not only entertains but also helps us cope with real-life stress and fears.
Whether it’s haunted houses, spooky movies, or ghost tours, we seek out experiences that challenge our limits and provoke our imaginations.
Kollat’s findings suggest that engaging with fear can help us process our emotions and understand our own resilience and enhances our social bonds, as we share these experiences with friends and loved ones.
- Category: The Equanimity Blog

Posted by Nahi Rai, MS, LPC, ACS
I earned my BS in Psychology in 2013 and my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, CACREP approved in 2018. I’ve been in the mental health field for nearly 10 years while completing my Professional Counselors Licensure. My coursework and experiences have prepared to work with a wide-range of clients of any age. I make every effort to create a stress free, non-judgmental, and positive environment for all clients. I work towards building a trusting and respectful relationship where clients feel comfortable to share their feelings and stories.