Sunday, February 16, 2025

Why Americans Shell Out Billions for Halloween Thrills

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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:

  1. Allure /əˈlʊr/ (noun): The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive.
  2. Indulge /ɪnˈdʌldʒ/ (verb): To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
  3. Lucrative /ˈluːkrətɪv/ (adjective): Producing a great deal of profit.
  4. Phenomenon /fəˈnɑː.mə.nɑːn/ (noun): An extraordinary event or circumstance.
  5. Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ (noun): Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
  6. Adrenaline /əˈdrɛnəlin/ (noun): A hormone released in response to stress excitement or danger increasing heart rate and energy.

How much do you know?


Why do Americans spend over $12 billion on Halloween?
To impress their friends
To scare themselves for fun
To support small businesses
To avoid fear in real life


What is one reason for the fascination with Halloween fright mentioned in the text?
To make DIY costumes
To engage in extreme sports
To experience an adrenaline rush
To learn about psychology


According to psychologists, how can Halloween foster social bonds?
By competing in haunted house contests
By sharing intense experiences
By avoiding fear altogether
By celebrating alone


What does the text suggest about the allure of frightening oneself on Halloween?
It is equivalent to facing real-life horrors
It offers a unique coping mechanism
It has no psychological benefits
It is just for entertainment


How does the text describe the thrill of scare during Halloween?
As a boring experience
As an extreme sport
As a way to cope with real-life stresses
As an entertaining and addictive rush


What is one possible reason given in the text for Americans indulging in Halloween festivities?
To support small-business owners
To fight real-life horrors
To avoid adrenaline rushes
To spend time with family


Americans used to primarily make DIY costumes for Halloween before spending billions on it.


Visiting a haunted attraction is considered a safe way to experience an adrenaline rush.


Psychologists believe that moments of shared fear can weaken relationships.


The text suggests that Halloween is solely about impressing others.


The allure of frightening oneself on Halloween is portrayed as having no psychological benefits.


According to the text, Halloween provides a way to cope with real-life stresses.


Americans spent an astonishing $12.2 billion on Halloween last year, showcasing a lucrative opportunity for owners.


Psychologists believe that shared fear can solidify relationships, similar to the camaraderie among soldiers or survivors of .


The text mentions that Halloween allows us to experience a thrilling rush that fear triggers in a way compared to extreme activities like skydiving.


Many Americans are described as adrenaline seekers, finding the excitement of the Halloween scare to be and addictive.


According to the text, Halloween offers a unique way to cope with the stresses of .


Americans are gearing up to indulge in Halloween again this season, as revealed by a recent survey conducted by .

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