Russian fear study before Halloween reveals coping trends
A survey conducted for a corporate well‑being platform explored how Russians experience fear as Halloween approaches. The findings show that most people remain calm most of the time, with about eight in ten participants reporting they rarely experience fear and roughly seven in ten able to regulate their emotions during stressful moments. Yet more than a quarter admit that managing emotions under pressure can be challenging.
Loneliness appears to amplify fear for many respondents. Forty‑five percent reported that memories of fear surface in moments of solitude, while 21% said fear arises in crowded environments. About one in three, 34%, confessed to a fear of going to bed, reflecting anxiety tied to nightly routines.
In terms of coping strategies, over half prefer to face fear alone or with the support of loved ones. Only about one third, 32%, said they would consider seeking help from a psychologist if the need arose, underscoring ongoing reticence toward professional mental health services.
Researchers noted that in Russia, turning to psychological professionals remains approached with caution. Roughly 14% expressed at least some skepticism about psychologists in general, signaling a cautious stance toward mental health resources.
Attitudes toward horror entertainment revealed a mix of avoidance and engagement. About 34% avoided horror films out of fear, while 47% felt unsettled only during tense scenes. Reactions to horror events such as haunted houses and Halloween parties were varied: 37% enjoy the adrenaline, 30% participate only on rare occasions, and 33% prefer other forms of entertainment for leisure.
Most respondents, around 81%, believe fear can be controlled through specific techniques, while the remaining 19% feel fear is an inevitable part of certain experiences.
Autumn anxiety and stress relief are still supported by accessible reads. People in Russia showed a preference for calming literature and other self‑help resources as practical tools to ease fall worries.
These findings offer a window into how fear, coping, and help‑seeking unfold in a Western context and may resonate with readers in Canada and the United States who encounter seasonal anxieties and stress at work, home, or during social events. The study underscores that while fear is a natural human response, practical strategies and supportive networks can shape how fear is managed day to day.