Haunted Attraction: The Effects of Recreational Fear on Interpersonal Bonding

Poster Session VI

Keyword: Friendship

Abstract: Across four studies (N=2,139), guests of a commercial haunted house attraction – one in which guests travel together in small groups – reported feeling as though the experience promoted interpersonal bonding. A fifth qualitative interview study (N=20) suggested that the mediating factor may be post-experience conversation and reflection.

• Jane Wiley (Presenting Author)
• Alexa Rivers (Author)
• Garrett Johnson (Author)
• Jake Watson (Author)
• Stefano Segovia-Palacios (Author)
• Tara Perreault (Author)
• Ashley Sohit (Author)
• Esme Schliske (Author)
• Giovanna Palladino (Author)
• Gabriella Ryan (Author)
• Lawton Swan (Author)