Hi friends! Happy Friday. I do apologise that my Freaky Friday Files has been lacking a bit lately so I'm trying to batch content a bit better - but sometimes it's really hard to find topics to write about, but this week I am inspired #spookyseason
This blog post is all about the psychology of haunted houses! I only have an undergrad degree in Psychology but it is another discipline that I am interested in so I can assure you I have done my research for this post. Please enjoy :)
The Psychology of Haunted Houses
Introduction
Ever pondered why folks are drawn like moths to a flame to spooky spots, like haunted houses or horror mazes? Well, buckle up, because today we're diving into that mysterious realm! This blog post discusses the psychology behind haunted houses - why we are so attracted to them. We explore things such as the allure of fear, social connection, therapeutic aspects, and more.
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The Allure of Fear
The main reason we are captivated by haunted houses is the thrill of adrenaline that fear brings. When faced with spooky environments and sudden scares, our bodies react by releasing adrenaline, sharpening our awareness and enhancing our vitality (Kerr et al., 2019). This automatic "fight or flight" reaction can be exciting when encountered in a secure environment. In a haunted house, we understand that the frights are all part of the entertainment, enabling us to confront fear without actual risk.
Social Connection
Haunted houses offer a fantastic chance for social bonding. Whether you are there with friends, family, or even strangers, the shared thrill of fear can forge powerful connections with one another. The screams and laughter reverberating through the corridors cultivate a deep sense of camaraderie as everyone confronts their fears together. This collective adventure not only amplifies the fun but also creates unforgettable moments that people cherish and reminisce about (Urbanski, 2024). There is also the idea that when there are more people at a "haunted" location, senses are heightened and people are more likely to have some kind of paranormal experience because senses are heightened (Williams and Blagrove, 2022) and people rub off on one another (I couldn't think of a better way to put that sentence lol).
The Therapeutic Aspect + Control Over Fear
It is worth noting that confronting fear in a controlled setting (like exposure therapy) can bring about therapeutic advantages. This approach enables individuals to delve into their worries in a secure manner, facing their fears without real dangers. Such a method can aid in reducing participants' sensitivity to their fears, thereby facilitating better management of daily stressors (Escolà-Gascón and Houran, 2021).
Going to a haunted house is usually in a controlled environment, which means that individuals can experience fear while knowing they are completely safe. This paradox of control creates a unique opportunity to confront fears without real-world consequences, making it a compelling experience for many (Escolà-Gascón and Houran, 2021).
Optimal Arousal Theory
Optimal Arousal Theory is a theory that suggests some people may seek an optimal level of arousal (also known as Yerkes-Dodson law) that is often achieved through thrilling and adrenaline-inducing experiences. Haunted houses provide a safe way to push boundaries and experience heightened emotions, satisfying one's need for excitement and arousal in a controlled way (Hoedt, 2009).
Catharsis
Catharsis has many different meanings, but for the purpose of this blog post, catharsis is when someone lets go of a negative emotion (i.e., by doing something fear-inducing) to become happier - a letting go of sorts. To relate this back to haunted houses, engaging with fear in a controlled environment can serve as a form of catharsis. Participants may release pent-up emotions and stress by confronting their fears, leading to feelings of relief and satisfaction after the experience.
Fantasy + Escapism
I love escapism - I often want to escape from everyday life and that's not because I hate life, I absolutely love life, but I really enjoy jumping into other world's - it kinda feels like experiencing an alternate reality without leaving the comfort of our reality. Haunted houses offer an escape from everyday life, allowing people to immerse themselves in a fantasy world. This temporary departure can be refreshing, providing a break from routine and inviting a playful exploration of the unknown and more (Konzack, 2017).
Conclusion
This edition of Freaky Friday Files delved into the Psychology of Haunted Houses, covering topics such as the attraction of fear, social bonding, therapeutic elements, managing fear, optimal arousal theory, catharsis, and the appeal of fantasy and escapism.
Thanks for reading!
Much love,
Ash xo
References/Readings
Escolà-Gascón, Á., & Houran, J. (2021). Paradoxical effects of exposure to nature in “haunted” places: Implications for stress reduction theory. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214, 104183.
Hoedt, M. (2009). Keeping a distance: The joy of haunted attractions. Irish Gothic Journal, (7), 34.
Kerr, M., Siegle, G. J., & Orsini, J. (2019). Voluntary arousing negative experiences (VANE): Why we like to be scared. Emotion, 19(4), 682.
Konzack, L. (2017). Escapism. In The Routledge Companion to Imaginary Worlds (pp. 246-255). Routledge.
Williams, J. M., & Blagrove, M. (2022). Paranormal experiences, sensory-processing sensitivity, and the priming of pareidolia. Plos one, 17(9), e0274595.
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/2022-jan-haunted-house-threats.html
https://universe.byu.edu/2015/10/31/thrill-seekers-find-adrenaline-in-haunted-houses/
https://www.fastcompany.com/90420705/the-psychology-of-why-haunted-houses-scare-us-silly
https://www.mjwayland.com/ghost-research/the-psychology-of-a-haunted-house/
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