Why We Love to Be Scared: The Science Behind Our Interest with Fear
WASHINGTON – As Halloween approaches and haunted attractions draw crowds, a growing body of research is illuminating why humans willingly seek out experiences designed to frighten them. From the primal roots of fear in survival to the potential therapeutic benefits of horror movies, scientists are unraveling the complex relationship between our brains and the thrill of being scared.
For millennia,fear served as a crucial survival mechanism,prompting humans to avoid predators and dangerous situations. But in modern life, where physical threats are less immediate for many, why do we continue to crave the sensation? And, surprisingly, why do some individuals benefit from deliberately inducing fear through activities like watching horror films? The answer, according to experts, lies in the nuanced differences between fear and anxiety, and the brain’s ability to process and ultimately overcome controlled frightening experiences.
Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist at Wayne State University and author of Afraid, explains that fear is a response to an immediate, identifiable threat, while anxiety is a more diffuse apprehension about potential future dangers. “Anxiety is like a smoke detector that goes off when there’s no fire,” he notes. Horror movies and similar experiences offer a unique opportunity to engage with fear in a safe, contained environment.
This controlled exposure can be surprisingly therapeutic for some. individuals struggling with anxiety may find that confronting fictional fears allows them to practice coping mechanisms and build resilience. The focused attention required to navigate a scary movie, for example, can temporarily quiet racing thoughts and provide a sense of mastery when the threat is “overcome.”
Javanbakht’s research delves into the neurological processes at play, highlighting how the brain distinguishes between real and imagined threats. While both trigger a similar physiological response - increased heart rate, adrenaline release – the prefrontal cortex plays a key role in regulating the fear response when the threat is perceived as unreal.
The science suggests that our enduring fascination with fear isn’t simply a morbid curiosity, but a deeply ingrained aspect of our biology with potential benefits for mental well-being. As we continue to explore the complexities of the human brain, understanding the science of fear may unlock new approaches to managing anxiety and harnessing the power of controlled exposure for therapeutic purposes.
Listeners can explore these concepts further by tuning into NPR‘s Short Wave podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Support for Short wave is also available through short wave+, offering a sponsor-free listening experience.This episode was produced by Rachel Carlson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, and fact-checked by Tyler Jones, with audio engineering by Simon-Laslo Janssen.
