At this time of year we flock to horror films and prepare ghoulish costumes – but why do we do this? For children the answer is easy: sweet treats. For adults, the attraction to frightening things is a bit more complicated.
In this podcast Professor Peter Kinderman, from the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, discusses why we like to be scared and examines the therapeutic side of Halloween.
One in six people in Great Britain experience anxiety or depression each week. Though many struggle with inner demons, they are also attracted to the macabre and the terrifying. It seems like a paradox but Dr Peter Kinderman says taking part in Halloween traditions can be therapeutic.
Peter Kinderman is a professor of Clinical Psychology is an honorary Consultant Clinical Psychologist with Mersey Care NHS Trust, and possesses a keen passion for the promotion of fundamental human rights, democracy, and social justice.
To find out more you can listen to the podcast by clicking here.
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