Is being scared good for us? Halloween is a chance to dress-up and tell ghost stories. But scientists say being afraid can prepare us for life.
Mild horror makes you stronger say scientists
Is being scared good for us? Halloween is a chance to dress-up and tell ghost stories. But scientists say being afraid can prepare us for life.
What's happening?
Scientists are looking for volunteersPeople who choose to do something they do not have to do. to go into a haunted house and find out why we enjoy being afraid.
Tonight is HalloweenA celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, on the evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.. Many people watch scary films and look for ways to frighten themselves.
Fear sends chemicals through the body, giving people lots of energy and making them very aware of what is happening around them.
Now, scientists say this fear can be good for you even if the danger is not real. One study found that horror film fans coped better during the Covid-19The official scientific name for the type of coronavirus that swept the world from March 2020. pandemic.
Find out more
But they warn that too much fear can cause stress. It is good to be a little scared, they say, but not very scared.
Is being scared good for us?
Yes! Being scared helps your brain prepare for danger. Even if the danger is not always real, it can help you cope better when it is.
No! The world can already be a scary place. There is no need to add more fear. It is better to be calm.
Keywords
Volunteers - People who choose to do something they do not have to do.
Halloween - A celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, on the evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.
Covid-19 - The official scientific name for the type of coronavirus that swept the world from March 2020.
Mild horror makes you stronger say scientists
Glossary
Volunteers - People who choose to do something they do not have to do.
Halloween - A celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, on the evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.
Covid-19 - The official scientific name for the type of coronavirus that swept the world from March 2020.