In today’s world, there are millions of people that suffer with phobias, and many feel like these fears are completely arbitrary. From a fear of spiders to a fear of being buried alive on accident and waking up in a coffin. While these phobias may seem to arise by mere chance, there are a few things that can lead to these fears.
Starting with the more simple phobias: they can arise from a stressful or traumatic event that occurred in their childhood. Phobias can also be learnt from a child’s parents or older siblings while growing up. As for the more complex phobias, they are still somewhat a mystery. While research suggests that genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences may cause these more complex phobias, there is still no definitive answer to what causes these strange fears.
Alex, I think this is really interesting. I’ve never thought about where fear comes from so I like how you took the time to explain because maybe it will help make more people aware. When I think about fear I normally just think about how I have them and now why so this gave me insight into where it comes from. I’ve noticed how we pick up phobias from those around us because see how I have a lot of the same fears as my parents. I also agree with Shane, I’d love to hear more.
Dear Alex,
I’m interested in your post “The Fear Behind Phobias” because, I always wondered how and why people had fears of things that are likely never to happen. But because, of you and your source I finally understand. Lines like, “arise from a stressful or traumatic event that occurred in their childhood. Phobias can also be learnt from a child’s parents or older siblings while growing up.” I think that pretty much summarizes my belief of how I think fear happens. And how fear is such a strong feeling that can happen strictly through 1’s experiences. Your post reminds me of my personal fear of snakes as my mom shares the same fear either that or I feel uncomfortable around slithery things. With that being said, Thanks for your writing. I look forward to seeing what you write next because I feel like I can relate to it through the experiences I’ve been through and who I’ve associated with.
Alex, I have never actually thought of why we fear what we do and where our phobias come from, so I found the topic of this post very interesting. I guess it does make sense that experiences you had as a child could effect your views on something, also since you grow up and learn from just watching your parents I understand how if they have a fear for something you would grow up learning that its something to be afraid of. I think it would be really interesting to find more information on why we have random fears as well, so thank you for introducing me to this idea.
I have never actually thought of why we fear what we do and where our phobias come from, so I found the topic of this post very interesting. I guess it does make sense that experiences you had as a child could effect your views on something, also since you grow up and learn from just watching your parents I understand how if they have a fear for something you would grow up learning that its something to be afraid of. I think it would be really interesting to find more information on why we have random fears as well, so thank you for introducing me to this idea.
This is something that I have always been very interested in. While I personally don’t have any phobias, I know people that do and this really shines a light on that. I especially liked the part where you talked about how phobias can develop from siblings or parents while growing up because I had never thought of that before. The idea of developing a phobia midway into your life is something I have never thought about. I’d love to hear more.