Why do we like to be frightened?

By Amrit Brown

Why is the horror held within Halloween so attractive to us? A Hood College professor says it’s not just about scoring loads of candy.

“It’s a time for self-expression,” assistant professor of psychology and counseling Amber Samuels said. “Humans are drawn to opportunities to let our imaginations run wild and express ourselves in unique and creative ways.”

Halloween has its origins in the holiday of Samhain. The celebration originated in Europe and was generally affiliated with the beginning of the winter period. It was considered the day that the souls of those who had died in the past year journeyed to the underworld. Bonfires were set to ward off evil spirits and people often wore masks or dressed up to disguise themselves in efforts to trick the spirits.

These customs, including the British tradition of allowing the poor to beg for “soul cakes” and the Christian tradition of All Hallows Eve, have developed into the modern-day celebration we call Halloween.

In addition to candy and costumes, the appeal of Halloween comes from the way that it allows us to experience horror. “For a lot of us we see Halloween as a chance to confront our fears head-on, but without having to worry about any real danger,” Samuels said.

The experience of being sacred can also be pleasurable for many people due to the release of adrenaline and other hormones that give us a rush, Samuels said. “This is coupled with a sense of mastery and accomplishment we can feel when we overcome our fears,” she added.

Humans’ fear responses are triggered by the amygdala which releases the previously mentioned adrenaline as well as cortisol. These hormones can activate our flight or fight reaction and are what generally cause us to experience a rush of energy in stressful situations.

The characteristics of horror not only make Halloween an exciting holiday but can also have beneficial effects on humans. Samuels said that horror can also “help people desensitize themselves to their fears and learn to cope with them in a healthier way.”

As we approach the scariest day of the year keep in mind that we don’t keep dressing up just for the candy but that rush that comes with the holiday.