Human psychology: Why do we have equivalents of bogeyman in so many countries around the world?

Bogeyman (also spelled bogieman, boogeyman, or boogie man) is a common allusion to a mythical creature in many cultures used by adults to frighten children into good behavior. This monster has no specific appearance, and conceptions about it can vary drastically from household to household within the same community. Parents may tell their children that if they misbehave, the bogeyman will get them. Bogeymen may target a specific mischief—for instance, a bogeyman that punishes children who suck their thumbs—or general misbehavior, depending on what purpose needs serving. Source: Wikipedia.Examples - by country - listed in alphabetical order:Afghanistan – Bala or Newanay Mama, which means "The Monster or Crazy person", is used to scare children when they don't want to sleep or when they don't want to take their medicine.Albania – There are two similar creatures that are used to frighten children. In the South (Vlore area), there is Katallani, that means "the Catalan." This is a collective memory of the Catalan occupation many centuries ago, from South Italy; then in the whole country, there is Gogoli, that indeed means "the Mongol" and is a collective memory of the Golden horde.Algeria – A monster made up of various animal parts called H'awouahoua. It has eyes that are blobs of flaming spit,horns,snakes entwined in its hair and a coat made of the clothes of the children it eats.Azerbaijan – A bogeyman-like creature parents refer to make children behave is called kho...
Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Category: Journals (General) Tags: Psychology Source Type: news