KENNESAW, Ga., Oct. 20 -- Kennesaw State University issued the following news release:
Kennesaw State University Associate Professor of Psychology Nicole Martin says part
of the answer lies in chemistry. The jump scares of horror movies and haunted houses
cause the release of hormones that can be pleasurable for many.
"There's a definite population that gets an arousal from that adrenaline rush, and is very drawn to it," Martin said. "In addition to adrenaline, there's also definitely a cortisol rush, the stress hormone you get when you slam on your brakes in your car. Cortisol works well with our memory retention. The hormone oxytocin, usually associated with pleasure, also comes into play."
But beyond the adrenaline rush, Martin says h...