Question

Whenever we watch a horror movie and something scary happens, we might close our eyes and scream. However, chances are that we'll continue to watch and enjoy the movie anyway. So why can fear be so much fun?

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh in the US, watching horror movies can raise our mood, unite people and boost our confidence.

In the study, 262 adults were asked to enter a haunted house(鬼屋)attraction. In the haunted house for 35 minutes, they saw a series of tense scenes and were asked to record their feelings both before and after the experience. At the same time, the researchers also monitored their brain waves.

According to the researchers, the participants were more likely to be happier and less anxious and tired after they left the attraction. That's because in this intense condition their brains released more dopamine(多巴胺), a chemical which “produce a strong feeling of excitement and happiness lasting after the threat has passed,”reported Business Insider.

What's more taking advantage of this sensation may bring people together. People in scary situations are more likely to be uncertain and depend on others for support. “We’re social and emotional beings- we need each other in times of stress,so we feel close to those we are with when afraid makes sense.” Said Margee Kerr,one of the study’s authors.

In addition, it could be a good way to boost our confidence. “Being scared in a safe place is a source of enjoyment and makes us feel good physically and can even serve as a confidence boost by reminding us that we can make it through a scary situation,we are strong, Kerr told The Independent.

1.In the study, the participants did not_________.

A.stay in a haunted house for about half an hour

B.record their own feelings after the experience

C.monitor their own brain waves

D.see a series of tense scenes together

2.The participants probably feel_________after they left the attraction.

A.more scared B.more anxious and tired

C.less confider D.happier and more excited

3.The underlined word “boost” probably mean_________.

A.lower B.reduce C.increase D.decrease

4.The purpose of the study is to find out_________.

A.why people enjoy watching horror films

B.different ways to raise mood and unite people

C.how people feel when they are in a scary situation

D.what is the source of enjoyment

Answer 1