Sep 02, 2024

The Psychology Behind Horror: Why We Love Scary Books

by Sydney Stevic

A woman wearing a pink shirt appears terrified, with wide eyes and hands raised defensively, as if reacting to something frightening in the dark.

There’s just something about curling up with a good horror book, even if it makes you jump at the slightest sound, check under the bed, or glance nervously at that shadow in the corner. But have you ever wondered why we love to be scared out of our wits?

From haunted houses and vengeful spirits to psychological mind games and monsters lurking in the dark, horror somehow has this undeniable grip on us. Let’s be honest; it doesn’t seem to matter how scary they are; we keep coming back for more. Is it the thrill of facing our deepest fears from the safety of our couch, or perhaps a morbid curiosity about the darker side of human nature?

We can’t wait to dive into the psychology behind our fascination with scary stories and discover why horror books have a hold on us that we just can’t seem to shake.

The Thrill of Controlled Fear

There’s a reason why we love roller coasters, haunted houses, and, yes, horror books: the thrill of controlled fear. When we read a scary story, our brains react as if the danger is real, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones that put us on high alert. But here’s the catch—we know we’re actually safe.

With our cozy reading spot, our favorite blanket, and faithful Fido by our side, we are reminded that the monsters are confined to the page. It is kind of like having the best of both worlds: the thrill of fear without the actual danger. It's like experiencing the terror of being chased by zombies without the inconvenience of having to run. Who wouldn’t love that?

Silhouettes of hands pressed against large window panes, illuminated by eerie blue light, creating a suspenseful and haunting atmosphere.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

Let’s face it: people are curious. We have an insatiable desire to understand the unknown, to poke and prod at the things that go bump in the night. Horror is the perfect genre for this as it taps into our curiosity—whether it’s uncovering the secrets of a haunted mansion or delving into the twisted mind of a serial killer.

Horror isn’t just about external monsters; it’s also about the monsters within. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to explore the darker sides of human nature—jealousy, greed, fear, and even madness. Horror lets us peek into those dark corners of existence, giving us a safe way to explore the supernatural, the macabre, and the unexplainable!

Facing Our Fears

Horror isn’t just about cheap thrills—it can also help us face our fears (from the safety of our couch, of course). Fear of the dark? There’s a horror novel for that. Fear of death? Plenty of books tackle that, too.

It’s like a psychological rehearsal for dealing with the scarier parts of life. Plus, if you can handle reading about a ghostly entity that drags people into mirrors, suddenly, that big presentation at work doesn’t seem so terrifying.

Emotional Purging

You know that feeling of relief when the creepy doll finally gets thrown into the fireplace, and the family is safe (for now)? That’s catharsis at work. Horror gives us an emotional rollercoaster ride filled with tension, terror, and, ultimately, release.

As we turn the pages, we ride waves of fear and anticipation, building up emotions that are finally released when the hero overcomes the monster—or at least makes it to the sequel. This emotional purge can be incredibly satisfying, allowing us to let go of stress and tension we might not even realize we’re carrying. It’s like scream therapy, but quieter and with fewer judgmental looks from the neighbors.

Two women with wide eyes and anxious expressions biting their fingers, looking scared, standing against a pink background.

Shared and Scared

Horror has a sneaky way of bringing people together. Whether you’re swapping recommendations for the scariest reads or debating the most terrifying scenes, there’s a sense of camaraderie in shared fear.

It’s a genre that loves company, and nothing bonds friends like collectively jumping at every sound after a particularly creepy chapter. Horror is proof that even the most spine-chilling experiences can be better when shared.

Some of our most popular boxes have been horrors! Like the “Unsolved Mysteries” box, which contained The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James, or our “Spooky Halloween 2023” box featuring Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong.

Make sure to check out our Halloween 2024 boxes, which are ready for preorder! We checked with our team, and here are a few more recommendations:

Conclusion

From the adrenaline rush of controlled fear to the deep dives into the human psyche, there’s no denying the unique appeal of horror books. They let us confront our fears, explore the unknown, and maybe even learn a little about ourselves along the way—all while keeping us entertained with every goosebump-making page.

So, the next time you find yourself drawn to a horror novel, remember: it’s not just about the scares. It’s about the thrill, the release, and the connections we make along the way. Come on, go ahead, pick up that creepy book, and let yourself be terrified. After all, isn’t that the whole point?