APS
2023 APS Annual Convention · 2023
Holding Hands in a Haunted House: Sharing Recreational Fear Promotes Interpersonal Intimacy
- Lawton Swan
University of Florida - Jane Wiley
University of Florida - Catherine Cardenas
University of Florida - Britney Jean
University of Florida - Madison Templeton
University of Florida - Kate Doherty
University of Florida - Nicole Liang
University of Florida - Garrett Johnson
University of Florida - Pranjal Patel
University of Florida - Ana Lucia Brescia-Labrador
University of Florida - Rebecca Martin
University of Florida - Sara Slayton
University of Florida - Santosh Kota
- Benjamin Stanisky
University of Florida - Trinity Irwin
University of Florida
Abstract
Patrons (N = 648) of a commercial haunted house attraction – a dark maze filled with fear-inducing stimuli – filled out a post-experience survey about their perceptions of interpersonal closeness. The more afraid patrons felt, the closer they felt to their companions (β = .30). Holding hands intensified this effect.
Friendship
