The latest from Thorpe Park: Roller coasters cut stress levels

I think Jeff's editor note says it all.

Would be interesting to have some "real science" - personally, I wouldn't be shocked to learn that the stress-release has some long-run benefits...but I also wouldn't bet the farm on the rigorous methodology likely employed for this particular..."research study". ;~)

Some time ago, I learned of a study that determined that riding coasters could be beneficial to people like me, who have some form of asthma...helped them breathe easier, so the study showed. I learned this on Jeopardy!, and I have a helluva lot more respect for Jeopardy!'s researchers than I do for the P.R. folks at Thorpe...although they're equally as entertaining sometimes.

I have actually read a few official studies (awhile ago, so no, I don't know where) that stated similar results and were much more scientifically based. People who are stressed out and who ride coasters for fun do tend to experience a temporary lower level in stress. It makes sense...you are having fun, getting the adrenaline pumping, and unleashing some primal screams in a safe environment. I have experienced it personally as well. Even if it is a horrendous day at a packed park, when I am done for the day, I feel sated and content, like nothing in the world could be wrong.

Then someone with a q-bot barges past...