Halloween means scary fun. But what's the psychology behind the joy of fear

October 23, 2026 - 22:50

A USF psychology doctoral student is researching how fear can bring people together, using haunted houses as a key part of her studies. Tara Perreault studies the way shared scary experiences create connections between people. She recently discussed her findings on the program "Florida Matters Live & Local."

Perreault's work looks at why activities like haunted houses, which are designed to frighten people, can also produce feelings of enjoyment and closeness. She examines how the body's response to fear, including the rush of adrenaline, can become a social experience when it is shared with others. According to her research, the controlled scare of a haunted house gives people a safe way to experience danger together, and that shared thrill can strengthen bonds among friends, family members, and even strangers.

The topic connects to a broader question about why people seek out frightening entertainment, especially during the Halloween season. Perreault's research suggests that the answer involves more than simple excitement. Fear, when it happens in a setting that people know is not truly dangerous, can create a sense of relief and connection once the scare is over. Her work adds to the understanding of how emotions spread through groups and how shared experiences shape relationships.

Perreault's appearance on the program offered listeners a look at the science behind a popular seasonal pastime and explained why so many people look forward to being scared each October.