{"id":20719,"date":"2025-09-25T15:23:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T21:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/?p=20719"},"modified":"2025-09-30T09:55:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T15:55:40","slug":"the-psychology-of-fear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/the-psychology-of-fear\/","title":{"rendered":"La psicolog\u00eda del miedo"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;<a href=\"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Heart-Hands-1200-x-500-header-images-1.png&#038;#8221\">https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Heart-Hands-1200-x-500-header-images-1.png&#038;#8221<\/a>; alt=&#8221;The psychology of fear&#8221; title_text=&#8221;The psychology of fear&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Title&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#666666&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_2_line_height=&#8221;1.1em&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|50px||50px|false|true&#8221; header_2_font_size_tablet=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_2_font_size_phone=&#8221;28px&#8221; header_2_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>The Psychology of Fear: Why We Love Scary Stories<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>October is a month when shadows stretch longer, and the veil between imagination and reality feels thinner. Haunted houses echo with nervous laughter, ghost stories rise from campfires, and horror films pull us to the edge of our seats. But beneath the masks and monsters lies a fascinating truth: we are drawn to fear. Why? Because fear, in the right dose, is not just thrilling\u2014it\u2019s deeply human.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_body_font|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#757575&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\">Fear: From Survival to Storytelling<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Fear is among humanity\u2019s oldest instincts. It sharpened our ancestors\u2019 senses when predators lurked in the dark, or when unknown dangers rustled in the brush. But as language and imagination blossomed, humans didn\u2019t just\u00a0<i>feel<\/i>\u00a0fear\u2014we told stories about it. Myths, legends, and ghost tales became a way to share warnings, explain mysteries, and connect communities. In a way, scary stories were training grounds for courage\u2014rehearsals that prepared us for the real-life challenges ahead.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;<a href=\"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/blog-photos-600-x-800-px-5.png&#038;#8221\">https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/blog-photos-600-x-800-px-5.png&#038;#8221<\/a>; alt=&#8221;The psychology of fear &#8211; Dia de los Muertos&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Dia de los Muertos&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">A Universal Fascination<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; header_4_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#757575&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;21px||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Every culture carries its own stories of spirits, monsters, and the afterlife.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p2\">In Mexico, <b>D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/b> transforms fear of death into remembrance, honoring ancestors with altars, flowers, and celebration.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p2\">In Japan, tales of <b>y\u016brei<\/b> (restless spirits) explore themes of justice, grief, and unfinished business.\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">In Ireland, ancient <b>Samhain<\/b> traditions\u2014lighting bonfires and wearing disguises\u2014were meant to protect people from wandering spirits at the turning of the year.\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Although the details differ, the impulse is the same: fear becomes a way to grapple with loss, mystery, and the unknown. These cultural practices remind us that fear doesn\u2019t only divide\u2014it unites us through shared ritual and meaning.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">The Science of a Good Scare<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; header_4_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#757575&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;21px||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">So what happens when we seek out fear? Whether it\u2019s a horror novel, a haunted corn maze, or a whispered ghost story, our brains react in predictable ways. The body floods with adrenaline, the heart pounds, and senses sharpen.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-26px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">But when we know we\u2019re safe, that surge becomes exhilarating instead of overwhelming. It\u2019s the paradox of fear:\u00a0<i>our bodies act as if we\u2019re in danger, while our minds know we\u2019re not.<\/i>\u00a0That tension creates a thrill that many of us crave.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-29px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||2px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;23px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Fear as a Bonding Force<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;16px||||false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Scary stories don\u2019t just excite us\u2014they connect us. Think of friends clinging to each other in a haunted house, or the laughter that follows a jump scare. Fear, when shared, releases oxytocin\u2014the \u201cbonding hormone\u201d\u2014deepening trust and connection. Around the world, communities have long used shared stories of spirits and shadows not only to teach lessons but to strengthen belonging.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-15px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>When Fear Becomes a Shadow<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;26px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Still, it\u2019s important to note: not all fear is fun. For some, the same adrenaline rush can awaken deeper anxieties or resurface difficult memories. Fear tips into anxiety when it lingers too long\u2014when it interrupts sleep, fuels worry, or keeps us from living fully. In these moments, grounding practices like slow breathing, reconnecting with the present, or reaching out for support can help bring balance. As always, Building Hope is here to help if you need it.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-15px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Embracing the Mystery<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;26px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">At its heart, our love of scary stories says something beautiful about the human spirit: we are willing to face the unknown. Fear gives us a safe way to flirt with life\u2019s biggest mysteries\u2014death, darkness, the afterlife\u2014without being swallowed by them. Across cultures and centuries, ghost stories remind us that what we fear can also inspire awe, creativity, and connection.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#7a7a7a&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-15px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>A Healthy Relationship With Fear<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.4em&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;22px&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#636363&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;26px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Fear is not the enemy; it\u2019s a messenger. In healthy doses, it sparks excitement, deepens bonds, and even helps us grow resilient. In excess, it can weigh us down. What matters is noticing how fear shows up in your life\u2014and choosing to engage with it in ways that bring curiosity, connection, and meaning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">At Building Hope, we believe that even the \u201cspooky\u201d emotions have wisdom to share. This October, whether you\u2019re braving haunted houses or avoiding them altogether, remember: fear is more than a jolt in the dark. It\u2019s part of what makes us human\u2014and when embraced with awareness, it can lead not just to survival, but to hope, courage, and connection.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_4,1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;12px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><em>Article by Nadia Borovich, Community Wellness Coordinator for Building Hope Summit County. <\/em><em>If you have a story to share,\u00a0reach out to her at <a href=\"mailto:alyse@buildinghopesummit.org\">nadia@buildinghopesummit.org<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;<a href=\"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BH-Logo-664px.png&#038;#8221\">https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/BH-Logo-664px.png&#038;#8221<\/a>; alt=&#8221;sound healing&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BH Logo 664px&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Psychology of Fear: Why We Love Scary StoriesOctober is a month when shadows stretch longer, and the veil between imagination and reality feels thinner. Haunted houses echo with nervous [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":194720797,"featured_media":20734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[1358],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/buildinghopesummit.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Heart-Hands-1200-x-500-header-images-1.png?fit=1200%2C500&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcRpks-5ob","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/194720797"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20719"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20799,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20719\/revisions\/20799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buildinghopesummit.org\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}