Phobias: behavioural, emotional and cognitive features

What is a phobia?

A phobia is an extreme, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance and distress, and can interfere with daily functioning.

Give examples of phobias.

• Arachnophobia → fear of spiders

• Claustrophobia → fear of enclosed spaces

What are the three behavioural characteristics of phobias?

• Avoidance

• Panic

• Failure to function

What is avoidance in phobias?

Avoidance refers to behavioural adaptations made to prevent encountering the phobic object or situation, which can reinforce the phobia over time.

What is panic in phobias?

Panic is an uncontrollable physical response, such as screaming, crying, hyperventilating, or attempting to escape when confronted with the phobic stimulus.

What is failure to function?

Failure to function refers to an inability to carry out normal daily activities due to excessive fear or avoidance of the phobic object or situation.

What are the two emotional characteristics of phobias?

• Anxiety

• Fear

What is anxiety in phobias?

Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional state of high arousal, involving worry and tension about a future encounter with the phobic stimulus, which prevents relaxation.

What is fear in phobias?

Fear is an intense emotional response experienced when encountering the phobic object, associated with the fight-or-flight response.

What are the two cognitive characteristics of phobias?

• Irrational beliefs

• Reduced cognitive capacity

What are irrational beliefs in phobias?

Irrational beliefs involve overestimating the danger of the phobic object or situation, or exaggerating the likelihood of negative outcomes.

What is reduced cognitive capacity?

Reduced cognitive capacity occurs when attention is focused on the phobic stimulus, making it difficult to concentrate on other tasks.

What are the three types of phobias?

• Specific (simple) phobias

• Social phobias

• Agoraphobia

What are specific (simple) phobias?

Phobias of specific objects or situations, such as animals, heights, or injections.

What are social phobias?

Fear of social situations where a person may be judged, embarrassed, or rejected.

What is agoraphobia?

A fear of leaving a safe place, often involving anxiety about being in situations where escape may be difficult.