Psychologists Explain the Meaning Behind Halloween Costumes
What Your Childhood Halloween Costume Says About You, According to Psychologists
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If you were the type of kid to go straight for the scary Halloween costume — horror movie villains, zombies, vampires covered in fake blood, etc. — it's likely you enjoyed putting the "trick" in "trick-or-treat." Because frightening costumes catch people's attention and leave an impact on their emotions, scary costumes can also be seen as a way to reclaim power, Dr. Saladino says.
"I think the kids who like to be scared enjoy that rush of it," Nasir adds. "They don't really understand it, obviously, but those are the kids who grow up to want to go bungee jumping, or they become Tom Cruise, doing their own stunts at 60. They're thrill seekers. They might be more adventurous; they might be more extroverted, and be more interested in cultural folklore and stories and tales that are a little bit on the darker side. And they want to engage in that role play."
Of course, it's possible you were just an avid fan of cult classic horror films growing up. More likely than not, though, you feel most at ease when you're able to tap into that spookier side of yourself.