While it cannot be proven that supernatural forces truly exist in haunted houses, researchers have found surprisingly positive effects at these locations.
Stepping into an abandoned house in a desolate area, the first thing you might feel is a chill running down your spine, a shiver, or even trembling legs. If you knew it was a haunted house, you would likely feel even more anxious, unsure of when you might “encounter” a supernatural entity.
However, according to scientists, the feelings we experience when visiting a haunted house can actually bring about positive effects for the body. A study conducted by Aarhus University in Denmark, involving 22 participants, demonstrated this.
A haunted house can provide unexpectedly effective therapeutic treatment (Photo: Getty).
It is known that all participants were in a state of low-grade blood infection. They were taken by specialists to visit a haunted house for 50 minutes. During this time, they encountered people dressed as killer clowns, zombies, and chainsaw-wielding serial killers, wearing masks…
Throughout the 50 minutes of experiencing the haunted house, participants reported an average fear level of 5.4 on a scale from 1 to 9. Their heart rates averaged around 112 beats per minute during the experience.
Three days later, researchers found that the level of blood infection in over 80% of the participants had diminished. Notably, nearly half of the participants had completely resolved their infection levels.
Another study was conducted at the same haunted house, but included 91 volunteers in perfect health. Researchers noted changes in the immune systems of the participants.
They suggested that when entering a haunted house and being frightened, the levels of adrenaline and endorphins in our bodies surge. At this moment, the body undergoes a euphoric feeling similar to running, riding roller coasters, or watching horror movies.
Simultaneously, the body generates several immune cells in the blood, such as lymphocytes that help destroy tumor cells; monocytes that locate and eliminate bacteria; and two types of white blood cells known as eosinophils and basophils.
Researchers concluded that when fear is evoked (for entertainment), it can affect the immune system by balancing immune cell levels and signs of inflammation in the blood.
Though more research is needed to fully understand this effect, studies on mice have shown that acute fear and stress can stimulate the adrenal glands, thereby activating adrenergic receptors on immune cells.
This adrenergic system promotes the fight-or-flight response. In mice, this system seems to mobilize the animal’s immune system to respond to trauma or potential infectious threats.
In humans, the adrenergic system has been shown to be activated through exposure to cold environments, and studies have linked these cold experiences to anti-inflammatory signs.
