What is psychological fear?
Oct 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
A more significant long-term role in the development of the disorder: for example, if someone experiences a traffic accident while riding in a car, they may develop a fear of cars. This may occur against a background of anxiety, when a particular situation arises coincidentally or when acute anxiety occurs in a specific context, leading to the fixation of anxiety and the establishment of the stimulus as an object of terror. Fear of specific objects may be related to parental upbringing, environmental influences, or personal experiences.
Psychological fear is mainly caused by genetic, physiological, and social factors. It can be improved through psychological counseling and other approaches, as detailed below.
1. Genetic Factors
Extensive research has shown that phobias tend to cluster within families. Studies have found that the prevalence of phobias among first-degree relatives of patients is higher than that in the general population.
2. Physiological Factors
Research indicates that individuals with phobias exhibit increased arousal levels in the nervous system. This state of heightened sensitivity and alertness—characterized by excessive activation—results in dominance of the sympathetic nervous system and increased secretion of epinephrine and thyroid hormones. However, these symptoms are also manifestations observed during phobic episodes.
3. Psychosocial Factors
These play a long-term and more significant role in the development of phobias. For example, if someone experiences a car accident, they may develop a fear of vehicles. Under a background of anxiety, a particular situation or an acute anxiety episode occurring in a specific context may lead to persistent fear, which then becomes fixed as a phobic stimulus. Fear of specific objects may be related to parental upbringing, environmental influences, or personal experiences.
Patients with psychological fears may benefit from psychoanalytic therapy. They should also engage in self-regulation, particularly active self-adjustment, such as appropriately shifting attention, and participating in regular physical activities like running, swimming, badminton, or table tennis.
