#019 Halloween as therapy

At this time of year we flock to horror films and prepare ghoulish costumes - but why do we do this? For children the answer is easy: sweet treats. For adults, the attraction to frightening things is a bit more complicated.

An episode of the The University of Liverpool Podcast podcast, hosted by University of Liverpool, titled "#019 Halloween as therapy" was published on October 26, 2017 and runs 22 minutes.

October 26, 2017 ·22m · The University of Liverpool Podcast

0:00 / 0:00

Summary

At this time of year we flock to horror films and prepare ghoulish costumes - but why do we do this? For children the answer is easy: sweet treats. For adults, the attraction to frightening things is a bit more complicated. One in six (https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/our-services/anxiety-information/frequently-asked-questions/#2) people in Great Britain experience anxiety or depression each week. Though many struggle with inner demons, they are also attracted to the macabre and the terrifying. It seems like a paradox but Dr Peter Kinderman (https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/psychology-health-and-society/staff/peter-kinderman/) says taking part in Halloween traditions can be therapeutic.

Episode Description

At this time of year we flock to horror films and prepare ghoulish costumes - but why do we do this? For children the answer is easy: sweet treats. For adults, the attraction to frightening things is a bit more complicated. One in six people in Great Britain experience anxiety or depression each week. Though many struggle with inner demons, they are also attracted to the macabre and the terrifying. It seems like a paradox but Dr Peter Kinderman says taking part in Halloween traditions can be therapeutic.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Marketing Beyond Advertising: Prof. Christina Kühnl (#56)

Mar 20, 2026 ·37m

How Corporations Shape Our World: Prof. Boris Gehlen (#55)

Feb 17, 2026 ·29m

When George Orwell Came to Stuttgart: Dr. Geoff Rodoreda (#54)

Dec 17, 2025 ·49m

"Social media is both cure and curse" (#53)

Oct 24, 2025 ·39m

„Intelligence by design“ (#52)

Sep 9, 2025 ·32m

"Sustainability must become the core of manufacturing" (#51)

Jul 25, 2025 ·41m

Similar Podcasts

LUCIFER luciferdm Welcome to the LUCIFER! Based on a collaboration between psychologists at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Liverpool we made LUCIFER (Least-Worst Uncertainty Choice Inventory For Emergency Responses) as a research method to explore decision-making in extreme environments. In this channel, we talk about the psychology of making decisions. We translate our on-going research in the field, interview those who have made impossible decisions and even show you how tips you can use to improve your own decision-making. This series is supported by a National Science Foundation CAREER In this video Professor Laurence Alison (University of Liverpool, Ground Truth) and I explore the biggest decision facing leaders across the globe. For more information on our work, and us check out: Neil Shortland: www.neilshortland.com Laurence Alison: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/institute...Ground Truth: http://www.ground-truth.co.uk/New podcast weblog Centre For Innovation Liv Uni LivUniCIE Welcome to the Centre For Innovation at the University of Liverpool, supporting innovation in learning, teaching and assessment through enhanced curriculum development. The University of Roehampton Podcast University of Roehampton Introducing you to the thought-leaders, researchers and academic experts from the University of Roehampton. Enjoy a wide range of conversations on current topics ranging from the psychiatric pharmaceutical industry to Brexit. Subscribe, listen and review to stay up to date with all the latest episodes. The University of Real Life with Dr. Temi Temi Aregbesola Life is full of many teachable moments. From our relationships to our social lives, all of our experiences in the school of life shape us to be the unique individuals we are. Welcome to the University of Real Life where we explore the human pursuit of happiness and everything in between! School is officially in session!!!

URL copied to clipboard!