Mara Guba

In this conversation, Lisa Feldman Barrett, a renowned psychology expert, and Dr. Mara Guba, a children’s literature scholar from MIT, delve into the intricate role of fear in childhood. They discuss how cautionary tales like Heinrich Hoffmann's gruesome stories have historically shaped children's understanding of fear. Barrett shares insights on the amygdala's function in emotion and fear, while Guba highlights the appetite for dark stories in young minds. Together, they unravel how parental reactions influence children's perceptions of safety and threat.