Wednesday, November 01, 2006
For all of their stomach-turning gore, horror films and haunted houses attract people in droves. This ability of the human brain to turn fear on its head could be a key to treating phobias and anxiety disorders, according to scientists.
When people get scared, their bodies automatically triggers the "fight or flight" response - their heart rates increase, they breathe faster, their muscles tense, and their attention focuses for quick and effective responses to threats.
If the brain knows there is no risk of really being harmed, it experiences this adrenaline rush as enjoyable. The key to enjoying such thrills lies in knowing how to properly gauge the risk of harm.
"Young children may overestimate the risk of harm and experience true 'fear.' When that happens you see the child cling to a parent and cry, convinced there's a very real chance of harm." On the other hand, "adults may well scream but quickly follow it with a laugh since they readily recognize there's no chance for real harm."
1:04 PM
