Halloween: Warum sich manche Menschen lieber gruseln als andere

In the lead-up to Halloween, many people find themselves drawn to the eerie atmosphere, with some opting for horror films and others seeking out the experience wholeheartedly. Researchers have long wondered why some embrace the feeling of suspense and goosebumps with delight, while others struggle with discomfort or even complete apathy.

According to psychologist Marc Malmdorf Andersen from Aarhus University in Denmark, the phenomenon often arises when a situation cannot be clearly classified as dangerous or harmless. This feeling of unease exists somewhere between danger and non-danger, he explains. The intensity of this sensation varies from person to person, with each individual having their own optimal level of fear.

Some might find satisfaction in a thrilling movie, while others require more intense stimuli. Furthermore, a person's tolerance for the unknown or ambiguity plays a role. A 2024 study published in the "Journal of Psychology" found that certain participants rated ambiguous images as more unsettling, confusing, and unnerving than those clearly labeled as spooky.

Moreover, experience seems to play a part: frequent horror film watchers may become less sensitive to it, making heart-pounding moments and bodily tension less surprising. Andersen draws a comparison to consuming hot peppers, noting that those who eat many chilis eventually become less sensitive to their spiciness and can handle even hotter ones.

Those who avoid horror may find it difficult to correct their expectations, whereas avoidance can actually strengthen the effect: if someone anticipates they cannot handle a situation, they often simply don't engage with it. Andersen's team has found that many people overestimate how much fear they'll feel before attending a horror house and underestimate how much enjoyment they might derive from the experience.

Without experience, the original expectation remains unchanged, but experience can alter it. Three types of horror fans Andersen and his colleague Mathias Clasen identified in a 2022 study published in the "Journal of Media Psychology" based on research of U.S. and Danish horror fans. Adrenalin-Junkies relish the thrill of fear and feel better after experiencing it.

"White Knucklers" find the challenge of conquering their fear personally rewarding, leading to personal growth. "Dark Copers" combine both types: they enjoy the improved mood and also gain a sense of learning about themselves. The reasons for enjoying fear Andersen speculates that curiosity and the desire for knowledge are key factors in why some people enjoy being frightened.

By willingly exposing themselves to uncertainty, they can learn something new. The tension itself can also be appealing, particularly when one knows they are safe, such as sitting on the couch watching a movie. Horror offers a unique blend of fear and pleasure, with Andersen suggesting that it may not be merely escapism but also a manageable way to confront uncertainty and difficult situations.