Do you like to be scared? Why do some people like ghost stories and roller coasters so much? (Thrill-Seeker Psychology)

We all know what it feels like to be really scared. Your heart races, your breathing quickens, you sweat, and you get butterflies in your stomach. This fear can come from watching a scary movie, listening to a scary story, or walking through a haunted house at night. But surprisingly, some people love this feeling of fear. They chase after scary things.

For ordinary people like us, it's hard to imagine how others enjoy such terrifying experiences, even if they see a small scene in a horror movie and feel like their stomachs are about to burst. But experts say that it's normal for some people to push their limits to see how far they can take their fear, and to feel great satisfaction after overcoming that fear.

Why are we so fond of this 'dark side'?

What is the real appeal of these ghost stories and scary things? According to Frank Farley, PhD, a psychologist at Temple University, "People have been very curious about this 'dark side' throughout history. They've tried to understand it." Through films, we get to see scary things right in front of our eyes. Some people are incredibly fascinated by it. They are interested in things that are completely different, unusual, and mysterious than what they see in everyday life. Because they can't understand those things.

Another psychologist, Glenn Sparks, PhD, has studied how men, women, and children respond to horror in the media for more than two decades. He says, “Some people have a need to experience something different from the monotony of their everyday lives.” While there are some downsides to watching a scary movie, people find it very satisfying because the experience is different.

Often, when a horror movie is over, a person comes out of the theater feeling relieved. "Maybe he's just glad the movie is over," Sparks adds.

Who are these 'Type T' people?

Farley, a past president of the American Psychological Association, has studied people with what he calls the "Type T" (thrill-seeking) personality. These people love the uncertainty and intensity associated with activities that would make the hairs on our bodies stand on end. From roller coaster rides to bungee jumping, these things are a real thrill for them. "Sky divers say it's that thrill, that rush, and the little bit of fear that drives them to push themselves to the limit," he says.

According to Farley, some people enjoy the physical sensations that come with fear. Things like adrenaline pumping , heart racing, and sweaty palms. In studies of the thrill experienced by roller coaster riders, he found, "It's an incredible sensory experience. There's nothing else that can compare to that, not even sex ."

What about little children?

For children, ghost stories can be a safe way to experience and explore fear. Because they know that the ghosts and monsters in these stories are all imaginary. Psychologist Leon Rappoport, PhD, describes this as a kind of hypnosis. It gives children a chance to vent their inner turmoil and anxiety. "They get some relief from the experience," he says.

The scariest movies and milestones of youth

If you enjoy watching scary movies and getting your heart racing, you've had plenty to look forward to lately. In 1998, Sparks conducted a survey to find out what the scariest movies people had ever seen were. The films that were named the "Seven Deadly Films" were `Scream`, `Friday the 13th`, `The Shining`, `Halloween`, `A Nightmare on Elm Street`, `The Exorcist`, and `Poltergeist`.

In fact, some people prefer to avoid scary movies altogether. Sparks says about a third of the population falls into this category. They don't get any value from stories that make them scared to death.

Those who take the feeling of fear to the extreme

For those who aren't satisfied with a typical horror movie or scary novel, there's now an opportunity to take their fear to the next level. That is, ordering themselves to be kidnapped!

For a hefty fee of $1,500 to $4,000, a new business in New York will kidnap you, tie you up, gagged you, and hold you captive for hours or days. It's designed to scare you as much as possible. You can also customize the kidnapping to suit your personal fears and preferences.

This is really extreme. As Farley says, "This company is like doing a 'pre-interview', figuring out what your fears are, and acting on them. I see this as a very decadent luxury. It's violent and very scary, but people are doing it voluntarily."

So, the next time you watch a scary movie with your friends or ride a roller coaster, if you love the fear you feel, now you know that it's not weird. And, if you're scared of it, that's also very normal.