Phobias Explained
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| Phobias Explained |
In an earlier article Phobias What are They I told you about the way Jane reacted when confronted with a snake. What follows is a brief introduction to the model I use to explain phobic reactions and why they are so very real for the individuals that experience them.
All phobias are apparently irrational, but in truth they are not. They are in fact based upon primitive self survival knowledge / instinct. In order to stay safe we must be aware of dangers in our environment. Natural dangers are:-
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Heights - you could fall off
spiders - some spiders are poisonous
snakes - some are poisonous
being enclosed - the cave roof could fall down or you might be trapped in a confined space
dogs or other animals - could savage you
Vomiting - a sign of possible dangerous disease or just plain unpleasant
darkness - not possible to see dangers
open spaces - there are dangers all around in the World.
etc. etc.
The list is extensive All these phobias have one common element, possible threats to life. Other phobias may be connected to life threatening or fear inducing situations. Fears of such things as buttons, birds, touching, nakedness, etc. all are linked emotionally to some situation in which a sense of fear or panic was induced.
For instance the fear of buttons could well stem from an early childhood experience of having a button tangled in long hair. Or of being unable to remove a coat or cardigan causing a young child to panic.
All phobias seem to stem from some significant experience. This significant event is linked to our basic, primitive, fears and fixed permanently in the mind Many people are unable to recall the event as it is back in very early childhood.
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Another factor of phobias is that they can grow just like snowballs, each time the phobic reaction occurs it strengthens the fear. This is because each experience is linked emotionally to the previous one. When the reaction is triggered you are reacting mentally to all previous feelings of fear in the same context. Your mind has created a structure to deal with the fear and each time you go through a similar experience the structure grows larger and stronger.
Imagine it this way.
The mind stores all experiences good, bad and indifferent with the emotion experienced at the time. The first experience of a fear is linked to the second and subsequent events of the same kind. Thus the phobia can grow and grow becoming more powerful with age. Phobias are emotional events and our brain is set up to react to fears before logic can assists us.
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A simple diagram can give an idea of this structure. Imagine a nest of squares. The smallest square is in the centre and each subsequent square is larger and contains the previous ones. Links connect the squares together The diagram represents how the brain builds an experiential structure. The central square represents the first experience. This is then embedded in and linked to the second event and then linked and embedded to the third. This causes the emotions from each event to be linked together. Each new experience triggers the emotions of all past experiences and the new one is added to the structure. To remove or reduce a phobia what needs to be done is to break the links between each emotional memory or override the structure with a new one.
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FAQ
What is the rarest phobia?
Pinpointing the absolute rarest phobia is a challenging task due to the vast array of phobias that exist, each affecting individuals in unique ways. However, one contender for the title of the rarest phobia is "Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia." Ironically, this term describes the fear of long words, making it a somewhat whimsical example of a phobia.
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is a mouthful in itself, embodying the very thing that those who suffer from the phobia fear – long words. The term is a blend of Greek roots, combining "hippopotamus" (meaning "river horse"), "monstro" (meaning "monster"), and "sesquipedalian" (meaning "characterized by long words") with "phobia" (meaning "fear"). This amalgamation of linguistic elements humorously encapsulates the fear itself.
While the exact prevalence of Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is difficult to determine due to its rarity, it is believed to affect only a small percentage of the population. Individuals with this phobia may experience anxiety, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviors when confronted with lengthy words or texts. The fear may stem from a variety of factors, including past traumatic experiences, underlying anxiety disorders, or cognitive associations between long words and negative emotions.
Despite its humorous name, Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia underscores the diverse nature of phobias and the profound impact they can have on individuals' lives. While some phobias may seem peculiar or comical to outsiders, they are very real and can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life for those who experience them.
In summary, while Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is often cited as one of the rarest phobias due to its ironic nature, it serves as a reminder of the complexity of human fears and the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting individuals with phobic disorders.
What are three causes of phobias?
Phobias, characterized by intense and irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities, can manifest for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While the causes of phobias can vary widely from person to person, three common factors that contribute to the development of phobias include:
Genetic Predisposition:
Genetic factors play a significant role in predisposing individuals to phobias. Research suggests that certain phobias, such as specific animal phobias or situational phobias like heights or enclosed spaces, may have a genetic component. Individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders or phobias are more likely to develop phobias themselves, indicating an inherited vulnerability to fear-based conditions. Genetic predispositions can influence the brain's neurochemistry and response to fear stimuli, contributing to the development of phobic reactions.
Traumatic Experiences:
Traumatic experiences or negative events can trigger the onset of phobias. For instance, a person who experiences a traumatic event involving a specific object or situation may develop a phobia associated with it. This could include being bitten by a dog leading to a fear of dogs (cynophobia) or experiencing a near-drowning incident resulting in a fear of water (aquaphobia). Trauma can imprint powerful associations in the brain, leading to heightened fear responses and avoidance behaviors aimed at preventing future exposure to similar situations.
Learned Behavior and Conditioning:
Phobias can also be learned through observation, imitation, or direct experience. Children, in particular, are susceptible to developing phobias through observational learning from parents or caregivers who display fear or avoidance behaviors towards certain stimuli. Additionally, classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with fear through repeated pairing with a frightening event, can contribute to the formation of phobias. For example, if someone experiences a panic attack in an elevator, they may develop a phobia of elevators (claustrophobia) due to the association between elevators and fear-inducing experiences.
In summary, phobias can arise from a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, traumatic experiences, and learned behaviors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for developing effective strategies for managing and treating phobic disorders.
What is phobia in simple words?
In simple terms, a phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Unlike normal fears that may arise in response to real or perceived threats, phobias provoke an exaggerated and disproportionate fear response, often leading to avoidance behaviors aimed at minimizing or escaping the perceived danger.
Imagine feeling an overwhelming sense of terror at the sight of a harmless spider, experiencing paralyzing anxiety when entering an elevator, or feeling uncontrollable panic when confronted with the idea of flying in an airplane. These are examples of phobias, where the fear response is triggered by stimuli that most people would not find inherently threatening.
Phobias can manifest in various forms, including specific phobias, which involve fear of particular objects or situations (e.g., heights, snakes, needles), and social phobias, which involve fear of social situations or scrutiny by others (e.g., public speaking, meeting new people). Additionally, agoraphobia is a type of phobia characterized by fear of being in situations or places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, such as crowded spaces or open areas.
What distinguishes phobias from ordinary fears is the intensity and persistence of the fear response, as well as the impact it has on daily functioning and quality of life. Individuals with phobias may go to great lengths to avoid the objects or situations that trigger their fear, leading to significant disruptions in work, school, relationships, and leisure activities.
Phobias can develop for a variety of reasons, including genetic predisposition, traumatic experiences, and learned behaviors. While they can be debilitating and distressing, phobias are treatable with various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication. With proper support and intervention, individuals can learn to manage their phobias and regain control over their lives, ultimately leading to improved well-being and quality of life.
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VIDEO TUTORIALS
Phobia, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Where do phobias come from? | BBC Ideas
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