The Psychology of Scary

The Psychology of Scary: Why We Seek Fear and What It Can Teach Us

By Dr. Trevor Hislop | LiveWell Behavioral Health

Every Halloween, something strange happens. We do the very thing we spend most of our lives trying to avoid—we chase fear. We watch creepy movies, wander through haunted houses, and laugh as we jump out of our skin. For one night, we actually pay money to be scared.

But why do we do that? Why do we find pleasure in fear when it’s the same emotion that can make our daily lives feel so heavy, anxious, or out of control?

The Science Behind the Scare

Here’s what’s happening: fear is one of the most primitive emotions in our brains. It’s built into our wiring for survival. When something feels threatening, real or imagined, our brain hits the panic button. The amygdala lights up, our hearts race, and our bodies flood with adrenaline.

But on Halloween, there’s a catch: our brain knows we’re safe. That’s what makes “fun fear” so interesting. We get the adrenaline rush without the real danger. It’s like emotional skydiving—we get to flirt with fear while still standing on solid ground.

That’s the psychology of scary. It’s the thrill of knowing that even though our body reacts like we’re in danger… we’re not.

The Value of “Safe Fear”

Here’s the deeper truth: controlled fear can actually be good for us. It’s like emotional strength training. By choosing small, safe ways to face fear, we practice managing it—before it manages us.

In therapy, we call this exposure. It’s the process of gently facing discomfort until it loses its power. Halloween gives us a playful way to do that—testing our limits, proving to ourselves that we can handle the unknown, and even laughing about it afterward.

Think of it as a mini workout for your nervous system.

The Benefits of a “Safe Scare”

Believe it or not, a good scare can actually be good for your health. When your body experiences that surge of adrenaline in a safe setting, several positive things can happen:

• Stress Release: After the initial spike of fear, your body naturally returns to balance, releasing tension and creating a sense of relief and calm.

• Mood Boost: The brain releases dopamine—your “feel-good” chemical—which can lead to feelings of excitement, satisfaction, and even joy.

• Social Bonding: Sharing a scary experience (like watching a horror movie or visiting a haunted house together) can increase connection. When we laugh or scream together, our brains produce oxytocin—the same chemical that builds trust and belonging.

• Resilience Training: Safe fear helps us learn to calm ourselves after being startled, strengthening the emotional regulation and recovery skills we can use in real life.

So that moment of tension and release when the jump scare hits? That’s your brain practicing how to move through fear—and come out okay on the other side.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Every culture has stories that use fear to teach truth. The monsters and mysteries often reflect what we’re most afraid of: loss, loneliness, rejection, and regret.

The scariest stories aren’t really about ghosts. They’re about us. That’s why fear can be so revealing. It points to what we value, what we avoid, and what we haven’t healed yet. When we name those fears out loud, they start to lose their grip.

In that sense, Halloween isn’t just spooky—it’s symbolic. It reminds us that the things hiding in the dark often aren’t as powerful once they’re brought into the light.

Faith and Fear: A Deeper Invitation

For those of us who are people of faith, fear is complicated. Scripture tells us that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18), but it also speaks of a “fear of the Lord” that leads to wisdom.

That tension matters. It reminds us that not all fear is bad. Some fear protects us. Some teach us. And some points us toward the places we need to trust God more deeply.

I often tell my clients and sometimes remind myself that fear shows us what we value most. But love shows us what’s worth holding onto.

When love steps in, fear doesn’t have to control the story.

Turning Scary Into Sacred

So this Halloween, while the world leans into the thrill of scary movies, haunted houses, and costume masks, take a moment to look beneath the surface.

What fear in your life is asking to be faced, not avoided?
What story are you ready to rewrite?

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do isn’t to run from fear, but to meet it with curiosity and compassion. That’s when the psychology of scary becomes something deeper: a source of courage.

So enjoy the night, laugh at the jump scares, and let yourself have some fun. Just remember, every time you face what frightens you, even in small ways, you’re practicing strength!

Happy Halloween,
Dr. Trevor