JOURNAL ARTICLE

Ichabod's Mind: A Narrative Synthesis of Suspense, Folklore, and Cognitive Fear.

  • Published In: Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 2026. P. 2047 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

The article focuses on a narrative review that explores the interplay of suspense, fear processing, and cognitive engagement through Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It examines how environmental and narrative cues evoke anticipatory anxiety and influence emotional and decision-making responses, utilizing methodologies from literary analysis, folklore scholarship, and cognitive psychology. The study highlights the Headless Horseman as a symbol of communal fear and social anxiety, analyzing how folklore can shape cognitive processes and emotional regulation. The findings suggest implications for contemporary education, narrative therapy, and media studies, emphasizing the role of immersive storytelling in cognitive engagement. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. 2026/02, p2047
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1944-2718
  • Accession Number:191399625
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