NewsCommunity Newspapers (Miami)October 30, 2026Miami-Dade County
FIU researcher Matthew Sutherland explains the brain science behind why people enjoy Halloween scares
Photo: Community Newspapers (Miami)
An article published by Florida International University examines how the brain's alarm, control, and reward systems transform the physiological rush of fear into excitement during controlled frightening experiences like haunted houses. According to psychology researcher Matthew Sutherland, the amygdala triggers a stress response while the prefrontal cortex recognizes safety, allowing the brain's reward system to release dopamine and create a feeling of thrill.
Read the full story at Community Newspapers (Miami)Why It Matters
Understanding the neurological response to fear helps parents guide children through Halloween activities and emotional development, offering clinical resources through the Center for Children and Families for kids experiencing intense anxiety.
Key Facts
- The amygdala is the brain's alarm system that floods the body with adrenaline and stress hormones when a person encounters a scare.
- The prefrontal cortex evaluates the situation and helps the brain recognize that a threat is pretend rather than real.
- Once the brain determines safety, the reward system releases dopamine, which reinforces the feeling that facing fear can be fun.
- Children's prefrontal cortices take longer to mature than their amygdalae, causing younger kids around age seven or younger to often react to pretend threats as real.
- Sharing a frightening or startling experience releases oxytocin, a hormone that builds trust and social connection among people.
- Children with anxiety may experience stronger amygdala reactions, whereas children with lower dopamine activity in ADHD may seek out bigger thrills.
- The Center for Children and Families provides evidence-based clinical services for children struggling with intense fear, anxiety, or emotional challenges.
Who's Mentioned
PersonMatthew Sutherland“FIU psychology researcher and cognitive neuroscientist”other305-348-0477“Telephone contact number for services”OrganizationCenter for Children and Families“Organization offering evidence-based clinical services”Organizationccf.fiu.edu“Website for more information on clinical services”