Today is Halloween which means it's the day to indulge in the spooky underground world of the dead and undying. Largely celebrated in Europe and North America, Halloween is making waves in India as well. On the occasion of this pagan holiday, it's curious to think why we love indulging in mystique and horror, and especially why we enjoy getting scared so much.
To understand this phenomenon, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Syantani Mukherjee, Consultant, Psychiatry, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune.
Why Do We Love Getting Scared?
According to a study named ‘Effects of Horror Movies on Psychological Health of Youth,’ the researchers shared that one prime reason why people love horror movies is that they love that well-deserved relief at the end after enduring a session of terror and fear.
A research paper by R Michael Fisher, Founder, In Search of Fearlessness Research Institute, stated that fear is an evolutionary response, much like anxiety, in response to, and to safeguard you from situations of danger or threat. Yet why do we need the feel to provoke this emotion in a normal, safe setting?
Answering this question, Dr Mukherjee shared, “Indulging in activities that use the elements of horror gives you the same dopamine rush as smoking, alcohol, video games, or sex. If you know anything about dopamine, you might know that it leaves you wanting more.”
Festivals like Halloween, horror movies, visiting haunted places, and rollercoasters can excite you, and keep your mind hooked with the pursuit of persevering through the horrific situation and finding a sense of safety at the end. This results in a big surge in dopamine shared Dr Mukherjee. “Your mind will keep chasing that high,” she added.
Self-Inflicted Fear Causes Dopamine Rush
Have you ever noticed how elated people feel when exiting a makeshift haunted house, or a scary rollercoaster? Because such activities allow you to enjoy the chemical cocktail of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine incited by fear. People are able to experience such euphoria because they can enjoy the ups and downs of self-inflicted fear, without the stress of any real danger awaiting them at the end.
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Additionally, it can also be cathartic, as people can get an outlet to vent their emotions, scream, and let out everything they have been bottling up inside them. Such constructed situations of horror also provide a sense of accomplishment and grandiosity to those who are able to bear such situations unflinchingly than others.
However, Dr Mukherjee did leave a warning as parting words. She relayed that overindulging in horror-inducing situations can actually cause a sift addiction which can trigger feelings of anxiety, paranoia, losing interest in everyday activities, and withdrawal as it causes extreme spikes in your dopamine levels. Hence, this Halloween, it is important that you exercise control when participating in activities that give you the rush of feeling scared. So be safe and have a happy Halloween!