Today is Friday the 13th, and it's October, so we are truly doubling down on the spooky

season.

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I love horror movies, and the quick and

dirty tips team has been asking me for years to discuss some of the possible psychological

reasons why so many of us enjoy being scared.

Well, today's the day.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host, Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

The thrill of fear and the enjoyment of being scared may seem counterintuitive at first

glance, but it is a phenomenon deeply rooted in human psychology.

This paradoxical attraction to fear has been a subject of interest for psychologists

and researchers for decades.

While there is no single definitive answer, various theories and studies provide insights

into why we enjoy being scared.

So today, we will explore the psychological reasons behind our fascination with fear and

how it manifests in different forms of entertainment and experiences.

One way to understand our penchant for fear is to examine it from an evolutionary perspective.

Our ancestors faced numerous threats and dangers in their environment.

The ability to detect and respond to potential threats was essential for survival.

When confronted with fear-inducing situations, our bodies trigger a fight or flight response,

...