Many people are attracted to these difficult or weird things because it must trigger some positive response. We have this kind of mind over body sense of control when we're able to withstand it. You don't really think that you're in danger when you're in a horror movie. Do you eat spicy food? I didn't used to and then I read two things that changed my idea about this.
When are negative emotions enjoyable? Are we all a little masochistic? And do pigs like hot sauce?