Experts explain how mindset shapes reactions to haunted houses during Halloween

As Halloween approaches, many people seek out haunted houses for thrills. Experts note that these experiences can help individuals explore their reactions to fear in a controlled setting. Greg Siegle, a psychiatrist, studied brain activity at a haunted house. He found that participants often experienced reduced brain activity afterward, leading to a disoriented state. Siegle emphasized that responses to fear depend on one's mindset. He noted that both positive and negative high-arousal situations elicit similar reactions, explaining why people may laugh in scary or sad moments.