Story perspectives

93% of Kids Thrive on 'Recreational Fear' Experiences

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study in the journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development found 93% of children enjoy 'recreational fear'.
Conducted in Denmark, it collected reports from 1,600 parents about children aged 1–17.
Activities range from swings and slides to scary media, with interest shifting toward media in adolescence.
The study notes limitations in relying on parental reports and cultural context.
It also calls for future research to include children's perspectives.

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Story summary

A study in the journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development found 93% of children enjoy 'recreational fear'.
Conducted in Denmark, it collected reports from 1,600 parents about children aged 1–17.
Activities range from swings and slides to scary media, with interest shifting toward media in adolescence.
The study notes limitations in relying on parental reports and cultural context.
It also calls for future research to include children's perspectives.