The pleasure paradox

Some derive enjoyment from negative emotional states, as when enjoying a "good cry", for instance.

Studies found that people who like sad films enjoy a scene relative to how much sadness it elicited. The stronger the sadness, the higher the enjoyment.

Halloween seems to bring out excesses in costumed children and adults.

Several studies revealed that costumed children who were anonymous — by wearing masks for instance — were more likely to take extra candies. In adults, costumed Halloween celebrators tend to have higher blood alcohol re...