Psychology of fear explains the appeal of horror and haunted houses

Experts suggest that the human attraction to horror films, haunted houses, and scary sensations is driven by a combination of biological responses and psychological safety.

Nicole Martin, an Associate Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University, explains that jump scares and frightening stimuli trigger the release of hormones including adrenaline, cortisol, and oxytocin. While cortisol is a stress hormone, it can aid in memory retention, and the adrenaline rush can be pleasurable for certain populations.

Psychiatrist Pierre Oswald, director of the psychiatry department at Erasme Hospital in Brussels, notes a paradox where the body reacts to a perceived threat while the brain remains aware that there is no actual danger. This sense of being in a secured environment allows individuals to experience intense emotions and explore unsettling or taboo themes while maintaining a sense of control.