Science knows why you love or hate scary movies

Are you someone that has to be dragged to a haunted house on Halloween? Or are you the one that can’t get enough of a horror marathon in a dark house alone?

When we encounter a scary situation our bodies are put into “fight or flight” mode and produce chemicals to help in survival. But when we are not in any real danger and the mind identifies this, we can enjoy the natural high.

But try telling that to the person digging their nails into your shoulder or arm inside the darkened movie theater. For those that are horrified by even the cheesiest horror movies, it could be that you just have a really strong imagination. Psychologist Dr. Abigael San told Vice that “If someone is naturally more sensitive they're going to overthink during stressful situations and conjure up scarier images."

Love to be scared? Good news! It turns out you’re not a psychopath. A 2013 study by Vanderbilt University’s David Zald, showed that some brains don’t know when to hit the “brakes” on the flood of chemicals when they’re scared so they get more dopamine than your average person.

So screams equal double the pleasure. Happy Haunting.