The Psychology of Fear: Why We Love Being Scared

It’s Our Brain’s Fault

Fear laced with safety sounds ironic, but it is a perfect concoction that keeps us coming back for more. If you like horror movies, braving haunted houses, and talking about ghost stories with your friends because you know you are safe, read more...

Participating in scary things activates our body’s threat system where in our heart is racing, our pupils widen, and our adrenaline goes on overdrive. However, if we know we are safe (a haunted house doesn’t really have real Zombies in it), our brain interprets this arousal as excitement. The perfect mix of fear and safety produces dopamine, creating a unique thrill that keeps us coming back for more (Clasen, 2017; Zuckerman, 2007).

Benign Masochism

If you or someone you know loves roller coasters, spicy food, and/or scary films, you find pleasure in negative emotions when they occur in a controlled context (Rozin et al., 2013). What could be traumatic (falling from a high-velocity carrier, burning your tongue, or getting hurt by a chainsaw) are exhilarating because they are not really meant to hurt you (you know you are safe).

What Fear Reveals

On a more serious note, Halloween is a perfect time to contemplate your past, present, and future fears. The same physiological reactions that make us scream when we see Chucky on TV also prepare us to take real-life risks—changing careers, setting a boundary, or making a very difficult decision.

You know--fear, when met with curiosity, becomes your doorway to courage.

References

Clasen, M. (2017). Why horror seduces. Oxford University Press.

Rozin, P., Guillot, L., Fincher, K., Rozin, A., & Tsukayama, E. (2013). Glad to be sad, and other examples of benign masochism. Judgment and Decision Making, 8(4), 439–447.

Zuckerman, M. (2007). Sensation seeking and risky behavior. American Psychological Association.

Maria Soriano is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and advocate for courageous living. As the founder and CEO of Courage Creatives, she helps individuals break through fear, find clarity, and take bold, values-driven steps toward personal and professional growth.

Dubbed as the Courage Coach, Maria brings deep empathy and actionable strategies to those navigating life transitions. She is also a sought-after host and emcee for community and corporate events, known for her energy, presence, and authenticity.

A SHRM-certified HR professional with years of experience in talent development, Maria also leads GoodHire Recruitment, a boutique agency that connects purpose-driven professionals with mission-aligned organizations. Her work in career architecture and workforce well-being has empowered countless individuals to align their gifts with meaningful work.

In addition, Maria brings over a decade of experience in higher education and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is also pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, further deepening her ability to support others with compassion and insight.

Her love for storytelling continues through The Courageously Speaking Podcast, where she hosts raw, unfiltered conversations on resilience, leadership, and growth. Outside her professional work, Maria is a singer-songwriter who often collaborates with her husband, using music to inspire connection and healing.

At the heart of everything she does, Maria champions courage — helping others embrace uncertainty, trust their instincts, and live boldly and authentically.