Scary stimuli does a lot to the mind and body — and it might actually be good for you.
are two of the terms researchers have used to distinguish the intentional act of being scared.
When you visit a haunted house or turn on a scary movie, for example, you anticipate seeing something scary. Your body, however, still produces a response as if it was truly in a dangerous situation. And the feelings of relief when those responses subside can be pleasurable.researchers approached 262 adults who had purchased advance tickets to an “extreme” haunted house — one that included frights like a room with a killer clown and, perhaps even more chilling, a room with antique dolls.
Researchers asked these participants to complete a questionnaire prior to entering. Then, after a roughly 35-minute trek through the haunted house and upon exiting, participants filled out another questionnaire. Just over a third of the participants additionally agreed to wear a portable electroencephalogram and complete about 15 minutes of tasks before and after the attraction, so researchers could measure changes in their brain waves.
Sure enough, those who described themselves as bored, stressed or tired prior to entering the house reported an improved mood after exiting. It seems the act of being scared produced a euphoria that both changed their mood and reduced their neural activity. The authors of the study compared this change in neural activity to the response many people receive after practicing mindful meditation. For some of us, relaxation stems from breathing deep and picturing a waterfall. And for others, relaxation comes from shrieking and dodging someone in a Mike Myers-style hockey mask.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Single-Location Home Invasion Thriller The Apology Is More Scattered Than ScaryAn uninspired game of cat and mouse, The Apology's enclosed thriller is never claustrophobic nor threatening enough to be anything but apologetic for its own existence. nataliakeogan's review:
Read more »
Jake Tapper's Teen Daughter Details Scary Health Journey After MisdiagnosisJake Tapper’s 15-year-old daughter Alice wrote a powerful article for CNN detailing how a medical misdiagnosis almost cost her her life:
Read more »
NFL injury tracker Week 15: Russell Wilson ruled out with concussion vs. Cardinals after scary hitBrock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers kicked off Week 15 of the season on Thursday night with their win in Seattle, which officially won them the NFC West and earned them a spot in the postseason.
Read more »
Here's how Russia's war in Ukraine is still reshaping global scienceRussia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted both local and global science.
Read more »
Jupiter moons take center stage in bonus science from NASA's Juno spacecraftThe mission meant to focus on Jupiter is giving us insights into its unique icy satellites.
Read more »