Why do Americans spend over $12 billion on Halloween? A psychologist sheds light on the allure of frightening ourselves for fun.
Gone are the times when children and their parents crafted DIY Halloween costumes from cardboard and bedsheets. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans splurged an astonishing $12.2 billion on Halloween last year. A recent survey by Lending Tree reveals that nearly half of us are gearing up to indulge again this spooky season.
This presents a lucrative opportunity for small-business owners. If you’re interested, the Wall Street Journal features an intriguing article detailing the secrets of success in the competitive $500 million haunted house industry.
But the question remains: why do we willingly pay to experience that rush of terror? In our everyday lives, we go to great lengths to evade fear, especially given the many real-life horrors we face today.
To understand this phenomenon, we should consult psychologists. A recent post by Sarah Kollat, a Penn State psychology professor, delves into why we find value in scaring ourselves ridiculous on Halloween.
Halloween as an Adrenaline High
One straightforward reason for our fascination with Halloween fright is that many of us are, to some extent, adrenaline seekers. The thrilling rush that fear triggers is addictive, and visiting a haunted attraction offers a safe way to experience this excitement compared to more extreme activities, like skydiving.
Halloween as a Bonding Experience
Moreover, Halloween fosters social bonds. Sharing intense experiences, like visiting a haunted house, can strengthen friendships. Psychologists assert that moments of shared fear can solidify relationships, similar to the camaraderie formed among soldiers or survivors of disasters.
In essence, deep-rooted psychological factors drive Americans to invest significantly in Halloween festivities. The thrill of scare is not merely entertaining; it also offers a unique way to cope with the stresses of real life.
Vocabulary List:
- Allure /əˈlʊr/ (noun): The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive.
- Indulge /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/ (verb): To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
- Lucrative /ˈluːkrətɪv/ (adjective): Producing a great deal of profit.
- Phenomenon /fəˈnɑː.mə.nɑːn/ (noun): An extraordinary event or circumstance.
- Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ (noun): Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
- Adrenaline /əˈdrɛnəlin/ (noun): A hormone released in response to stress excitement or danger increasing heart rate and energy.
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