the theory is that phobias are evolutionarily developed behavioural predispositions.that is, when people are born they have certain survival instincts, one of them being to avoid snakey and spidery type things. Some grow out of it, some don't. Where the fear continues to be more pronounced in later life, that is a phobia.
However, despite wikipedia (just checked) also running with this theory, behavioural and developmental research into phobia-formation does not really support the evolutionary psychology theory. More likely that phobias are false activation of the amygdala(fear bit of brain) which is linked to a certain object earlier in life.
It may well be that phobias are genetic to a certain extent, as many psychological disorders are, but there is a larger part to be played by the environment and the development a person experiences. If phobias were primarily genetic, they would not be so easily treated (in the majority of cases).
/blahblah
(However, despite wikipedia (just checked) also running with this theory, behavioural and developmental research into phobia-formation does not really support the evolutionary psychology theory. More likely that phobias are false activation of the amygdala(fear bit of brain) which is linked to a certain object earlier in life.
It may well be that phobias are genetic to a certain extent, as many psychological disorders are, but there is a larger part to be played by the environment and the development a person experiences. If phobias were primarily genetic, they would not be so easily treated (in the majority of cases).
/blahblah
drbroon abloooobloobloo,
Fri 10 Oct 2008, 16:45,
archived)
Also babies and toddlers tend not to be scared of such things IME,both my nephews were in no way fearful of spiders till about 12-14, then the revulsion factor kicked in (one is 12, one is 18 and he's growing out if it now).
My 6 y.o. niece now has an amazing power to freak them out when she finds one, LOL!
(My 6 y.o. niece now has an amazing power to freak them out when she finds one, LOL!
..wil,
Fri 10 Oct 2008, 16:51,
archived)
Treatmentsuccess does however depend on the underlying etiology of the phobia. A directly caused phobia stemming from a childhood incident involving the object of the present phobia is frequently eased by say, hypnotic suggestion. Those of a more complex nature may be representative of a deeper anxiety, etc
/more blah
(/more blah
FeralCatMan Unusual disease collector.,
Fri 10 Oct 2008, 19:10,
archived)