Phobias

What are the three behavioural characteristics of phobias?

Panic, avoidance, and endurance.

How does panic manifest in phobias?

It involves heightened physiological arousal due to the hypothalamus triggering the sympathetic nervous system.

What is avoidance in the context of phobias?

Avoiding the phobic stimulus to prevent anxiety, which negatively reinforces the behaviour.

How does avoidance impact daily life?

It can severely restrict a person's ability to function normally.

What is endurance in phobias?

When a person remains exposed to the phobic stimulus for an extended time but experiences high anxiety.

What are the main emotional characteristics of phobias?

Anxiety and irrational awareness of fear.

Why is anxiety a key emotional characteristic of phobias?

It is the emotional consequence of the physiological response of panic.

Why is the anxiety experienced in phobias considered irrational?

It is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the stimulus.

What are the three cognitive characteristics of phobias?

Selective attention, irrational beliefs, and cognitive distortions.

What is selective attention in phobias?

The person remains focused on the phobic stimulus despite severe anxiety.

How do irrational beliefs contribute to phobias?

They cause unreasonable anxiety responses due to incorrect perceptions of danger.

What are cognitive distortions in phobias?

Distorted perceptions of the phobic stimulus, making it appear irrational or exaggerated.

Can you give examples of cognitive distortions in phobias?

Mycophobia (fear of mushrooms) and rectaphobia (fear of bottoms).