Halloween Psychology

This seasonal class will provide discussion and thinking space for learners to apply Psychology knowledge to Halloween topics.

As an icebreaker, learners will be asked to share what they like or dislike about Halloween, and/or an example of something they think is spooky or creepy.

The main class session will take a combined approach with short lecture elements and space for discussion. We will cover elements of the biopsychology and evolutionary psychology of fear, focusing on why many people can easily share ideas of what makes something creepy or scary. This will include discussion of the 'fight or flight' response, as well as 'agent detection mechanisms', which links to cognitive psychology concepts of attention and perception. We will also cover elements of social psychology, focusing on how people can learn to fear certain things and how shared experiences can lead to social bonding.

To finish, learners will be asked to consider and share something that they would include if they were to design a 'haunted house', referring to a concept that we have discussed in the session.

Halloween hats/costumes/decorations are welcome (no face-covering masks though, for the safety video check-in!).

Learners should be comfortable discussing Halloween topics (e.g. haunted houses, witches, ghosts, zombies, graveyards, etc), however, the class will be inclusive to anyone who may wish to avoid a particular element for any reason, e.g. phobias or bad experiences - please contact me before class if this applies to you!!

Learners will be reminded to keep discussion of spooks and scaries age-appropriate for the class.

No specific Psychology knowledge is needed, but there will be opportunities for learners to share what they know and/or opinions throughout.