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Beneath the bed: The psychology behind America's fascination with monsters and why we love being scared

Oct 17, 2025

1 min

Have you ever wondered why we just can't get enough of the creatures hiding beneath our beds and lurking in the shadows? Whether it's watching a spine-tingling horror movie or telling ghost stories around the campfire, Americans have a long-standing love affair with all things spooky and scary. But what's driving this fascination?


Persephone Braham is a Professor of Spanish & Latin American Studies at the University of Delaware and has those answers. 


She can talk about monsters in a variety of ways including the following:


  • Monsters are therapeutic. They act out our fears – and our fantasies.
  • We love to hate monsters. They channel our anxieties and expose our desires.
  • Monsters sneak into our dreams, stalk us in the dark and make us scream. Why do we love them?
  • Have you hugged a monster today?
  • Why do we need monsters? They keep us from crossing the line.
  • Who believes in monsters? Anyone who considers themselves human.
  • What are monsters, and why do we need them?
  • From ghosts to vampires, every culture has its favorite monsters.
  • Halloween scream: Why we like to play vampires.
  • Who decides what a monster is? You do!
  • Why do zombies want your brains?


Monsters and eerie tales serve as representations of our internal anxieties and societal fears. They act as metaphors for the complex emotions and situations we encounter. Braham can give this context and more. She can be contacted by emailing mediarelations@udel.edu. 


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