APS

2025 APS Annual Convention · 2025

Haunted Attraction: The Effects of Recreational Fear on Interpersonal Bonding

Washington, DC · May 2025

Poster · Social

Session: Poster Session VI

Authors

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.

Friendship