The Science of Fear
The things that scare us have become a part of our culture, especially around Halloween. Researchers like Kristen Lindgren, a clinical psychologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, study the science behind fear.
Fear is an evolutionary function that is hard-wired into the human condition. It triggers an elaborate internal mechanism when we experience something scary, such as a classic horror movie or a sudden surprise.
“It’s an evolutionary function, and most may not realize the elaborate internal mechanisms at play when a shiver runs down their spine – or why they may go out of their way to seek those shivers out.”
As people prepare to celebrate Halloween, fear becomes a forefront emotion. But what makes us afraid, and why do we sometimes enjoy being scared?
Author's summary: Exploring the science behind fear and its role in human emotions.