{
  "id": 16096837,
  "title": "Haunted houses may bring people closer, but psychological research suggests the bonding really happens on the ride home",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/haunted-houses-may-bring-people-closer-but-psychological-research",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-22T19:00:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "PsyPost",
    "slug": "psypost",
    "url": "https://www.psypost.org/the-benefits-of-frightening-activities-depend-on-what-you-do-afterward-according-to-new-psychology-research/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in the journal Emotion suggests that visiting a haunted house with others can lead to increased feelings of closeness. The research, conducted by an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, found that people who experienced higher levels of fear and engaged in physical contact with their companions were more likely to report feeling closer to them after the experience. However, the study also found that the change in closeness ratings between before and after the attraction was minimal, indicating that the bonding effect may occur primarily during the conversation and interactions that take place afterward. The researchers note that humans are inherently social beings, and forming connections with others is crucial for overall well-being. While positive emotions, such as laughter, can strengthen relationships, fear can also bring people together when faced with a common threat. Previous studies have shown that fear can spread from person to person, synchronizing heart rates and reinforcing group cohesion. This study aimed to examine the impact of fear on social bonds in a recreational setting, where the threat is simulated. The researchers hope their findings will provide insight into how shared fear experiences can foster interpersonal connections, whether through haunted houses, roller coasters, horror movies, or other thrilling activities.",
  "summary": "People who felt more scared inside a haunted house, and held hands or touched their companions, were more likely to say the experience brought them closer. But interviews suggest much of the bonding may happen in conversations afterward.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}