Why Fear Is Fun

Halloween is our chance to role play, misbehave, and gleefully scare each other.

The Lure of Haunted Houses

Why was I dying to go inside?
by David Weiss

What Your Costume Says About You

Questionable Halloween costume choices.
by Jared DeFife, Ph.D.

Wholesome Guide to Misbehaving

Always coloring within the lines? Venture a bit out-of-bounds and you'll reap surprising benefits.
by Rebecca Webber

Is it Good to Make Kids Afraid?

Do you need to sleep with the light on?
by Darcia Narvaez, Ph.D.

Oh, The Horror!

Bloodlust Morality Plays
by Lawrence Rubin, Ph.D.

Is Halloween The New New Year's?

Halloween means serious business--and heavy duty social pressure.
by Stephanie Newman, Ph.D.

How to Find the Perfect Halloween Costume

Express yourself in new ways by giving your serious side a rest
by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D.

Of Aliens and Spooks: Racism or Halloween Spirit?

Target pulls "Spook Drop Parachuters" toy amid accusations of insensitivity
by Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Ph.D.

Fear

Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger—if we couldn't feel it, we couldn't protect ourselves from legitimate threats. But often we fear situations that are in no way life-or-death, and thus hang back for no good reason. Traumas or bad experiences can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell.

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Spirituality

Spirituality means something different to everyone. For some, it's about participating in organized religion: going to church, synagogue, a mosque, etc. For others, it's more personal: Some people get in touch with their spiritual side through private prayer, yoga, meditation, quiet reflection, or even long walks. 

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