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A Level AQA Psychology COPY > 4.2: Phobias > Flashcards

4.2: Phobias Flashcards

1
Q

What are 3 of the most common disorders?

A
  1. Phobias
  2. Depression
  3. OCD
    are 3 of the most common disorders
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2
Q

Phobias, depression and OCD are 3 of the most common disorders.
In 2015, what % of the population had phobias in the UK?

A

In 2015, 2% of the population had phobias in the UK

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3
Q

Phobias, depression and OCD are 3 of the most common disorders.
In 2015, 2% of the population had phobias in the UK.
In 2015, what % of the population had OCD in the UK?

A

In 2015, 2% of the population had OCD in the UK

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4
Q

Phobias, depression and OCD are 3 of the most common disorders.
In 2015, 2% of the population had phobias in the UK.
In 2015, 2% of the population had OCD in the UK.
In 2015, what % of the population had depression in the UK?

A

In 2015, 8% of the population had depression in the UK

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5
Q

Phobia

A

A phobia is a persistent anxiety disorder, which:

  1. Interferes with daily living
  2. Is characterised by an extreme irrational fear
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6
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to what stimuli?

A

Anxiety is:

  1. An emotion all people experience
  2. A natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli
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7
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by what fears?

A 
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by:
1. Uncontrollable
2. Extreme
3. Irrational
fears
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8
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears and involve anxiety levels that are what?

A

Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias:

  1. Are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears
  2. Involve anxiety levels that are out of proportion to any actual risk
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9
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears and involve anxiety levels that are out of proportion to any actual risk.
As many sufferers attempt to deal with their phobias themselves, it is difficult to estimate what the occurrence rate is, but about 10% of people will do what?

A

As many sufferers attempt to deal with their phobias themselves, it is difficult to estimate what the occurrence rate is, but about 10% of people will suffer from a phobia at some point

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10
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears and involve anxiety levels that are out of proportion to any actual risk.
As many sufferers attempt to deal with their phobias themselves, it is difficult to estimate what the occurrence rate is, but about 10% of people will suffer from a phobia at some point, with females having what as males?

A

As many sufferers attempt to deal with their phobias themselves, it is difficult to estimate what the occurrence rate is, but about 10% of people will suffer from a phobia at some point, with females having twice the incidence of phobias as males

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11
Q

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is an emotion all people experience and is a natural response to potentially dangerous stimuli, but phobias are characterised by uncontrollable, extreme and irrational fears and involve anxiety levels that are out of proportion to any actual risk.
As many sufferers attempt to deal with their phobias themselves, it is difficult to estimate what the occurrence rate is, but about 10% of people will suffer from a phobia at some point, with females having twice the incidence of phobias as males.
Phobias can be very long lasting, enduring over how long?

A

Phobias can be very long lasting, enduring over many years

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12
Q

When do most phobias originate?

A

Most phobias originate in childhood

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13
Q

Most phobias originate in childhood, but do what during adulthood?

A

Most phobias originate in childhood, but lessen in strength during adulthood

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14
Q

Most phobias originate in childhood, but lessen in strength during adulthood.
Generally, people with phobias have insight into their condition, why?

A

Generally, people with phobias have insight into their condition, because they realise that their fear reactions are irrational

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15
Q

Most phobias originate in childhood, but lessen in strength during adulthood.
Generally, people with phobias have insight into their condition, because they realise that their fear reactions are irrational, but what?

A

Generally, people with phobias have insight into their condition, because they realise that their fear reactions are irrational, but they cannot consciously control them

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16
Q

What are phobias divisible into?

A

Phobias are divisible into:

  1. Simple phobias
  2. Social phobias
  3. Agoraphobia
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17
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
What are simple phobias also known as?

A

Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias

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18
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
When do simple phobias occur?

A

Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific:

  1. Things
  2. Environments
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19
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific things and environments.
What are simple phobias further divisible into?

A

Simple phobias are further divisible into:

  1. Animal phobias
  2. Injury phobias
  3. Situational phobias
  4. Natural environment phobias
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20
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific things and environments.
Simple phobias are further divisible into animal phobias, injury phobias, situational phobias and natural environment phobias.
An example of an animal phobia

A

An example of an animal phobia is arachnophobia, the fear of spiders

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21
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific things and environments.
Simple phobias are further divisible into animal phobias, injury phobias, situational phobias and natural environment phobias.
An example of an injury phobia

A

An example of an injury phobia is haematophobia, the fear of blood

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22
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific things and environments.
Simple phobias are further divisible into animal phobias, injury phobias, situational phobias and natural environment phobias.
An example of a situational phobia

A

An example of a situational phobia is aerophobia, the fear of flying

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23
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
1. Simple phobias.
Simple phobias are also known as specific phobias.
Simple phobias occur when sufferers have fears of specific things and environments.
Simple phobias are further divisible into animal phobias, injury phobias, situational phobias and natural environment phobias.
An example of a natural environment phobia

A

An example of a natural environment phobia is hydrophobia, the fear of water

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24
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being what in social situations?

A

Social phobias:

  1. Are a commonly experienced type of phobia
  2. Involve being over-anxious in social situations
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25
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like what?

A

Social phobias:

  1. Are a commonly experienced type of phobia
  2. Involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public
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26
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
What do social phobias involve?

A

Social phobias involve:

  1. The perception of being judged
  2. Feeling inadequate
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27
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
What do social phobics therefore often find difficult?

A

Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult

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28
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
What are social phobias further divisible into?

A

Social phobias are further divisible into:

  1. Performance phobias
  2. Interaction phobias
  3. Generalised phobias
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29
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
What are performance phobias?

A

Performance phobias are being anxious about performing in public

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30
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
Performance phobias are being anxious about performing in public, like doing what?

A

Performance phobias are being anxious about performing in public, like:
1. Playing at a concert
Or,
2. Eating at a restaurant with others

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31
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
What are interaction phobias?

A

Interaction phobias are being anxious about mixing with others

32
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
Interaction phobias are being anxious about mixing with others, like what?

A

Interaction phobias are being anxious about mixing with others, like:
1. Going on a date
Or,
2. Having an interview

33
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
Interaction phobias are being anxious about mixing with others, like going on a date or having an interview.
What are generalised phobias?

A

Generalised phobias are being anxious about situations where other people are present

34
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
2. Social phobias.
Social phobias are a commonly experienced type of phobia and involve being over-anxious in social situations, like having to talk in public.
Social phobias involve the perception of being judged and feeling inadequate.
Social phobics therefore often find conducting meaningful relationships difficult.
Social phobias are further divisible into performance phobias, interaction phobias and generalised phobias.
Interaction phobias are being anxious about mixing with others, like going on a date or having an interview.
Generalised phobias are being anxious about situations where other people are present, like what?

A

Generalised phobias are being anxious about situations where other people are present, like being in a crowd at a football match

35
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
What is agoraphobia?

A

Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving:
1. Home
Or,
2. A safe place

36
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home or a safe place and it is another common type of phobia.
How does agoraphobia often occur?

A

Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks

37
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home or a safe place and it is another common type of phobia.
Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks, where what?

A

Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks, where:

  1. Sufferers experience panic first
  2. The anxiety generated makes them feel vulnerable about being in open spaces
38
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home or a safe place and it is another common type of phobia.
Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks, where: sufferers experience panic first and the anxiety generated makes them feel vulnerable about being in open spaces.
How can agoraphobia also be brought on?

A

Agoraphobia can also be brought on by simple phobias

39
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home or a safe place and it is another common type of phobia.
Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks, where: sufferers experience panic first and the anxiety generated makes them feel vulnerable about being in open spaces.
Agoraphobia can also be brought on by simple phobias, such as what?

A

Agoraphobia can also be brought on by simple phobias, such as a fear of:
1. Contamination
Or,
2. Social embarrassment

40
Q

Phobias are divisible into simple phobias, social phobias and agoraphobia.
3. Agoraphobia.
Agoraphobia is the fear of leaving home or a safe place and it is another common type of phobia.
Agoraphobia often occurs with panic attacks, where: sufferers experience panic first and the anxiety generated makes them feel vulnerable about being in open spaces.
Agoraphobia can also be brought on by simple phobias, such as a fear of contamination or social embarrassment.
What is the natural avoidance response to make in such situations?

A

The natural avoidance response to make in such situations is to:
1. Find
2. Stay in
a safe place, generally at home

41
Q

What phobias tend to have the earliest onset?

A

Animal phobias tend to have the earliest onset

42
Q

Animal phobias tend to have the earliest onset, followed by what?

A

Animal phobias tend to have the earliest onset, followed by:

  1. Other simple phobias
  2. Social phobias
  3. Then agoraphobia
43
Q

Animal phobias tend to have the earliest onset, followed by other simple phobias, social phobias and then agoraphobia.
Phobias can either be learned from experience or what?

A

Phobias can either be:
1. Learned from experience
Or,
2. Genetically transmitted

44
Q

What are the behavioural characteristics of phobias?

A

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are:

  1. Panic
  2. The avoidant/anxiety responses
  3. Disruption of functioning
  4. Endurance
45
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
1. Panic:
Panic may involve a range of behaviours, including what?

A 
Panic may involve a range of behaviours, including:
1. Crying
2. Screaming
Or,
3. Running away
46
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
1. Panic:
Panic may involve a range of behaviours, including crying, screaming or running away.
How may children react?

A

Children may react slightly differently

47
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
1. Panic:
Panic may involve a range of behaviours, including crying, screaming or running away.
Children may react slightly differently, for example how?

A 
Children may react slightly differently, for example by:
1. Freezing
2. Clinging
Or,
3. Having a tantrum
48
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
2. The avoidant/anxiety responses:
As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to do what?

A

As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to reduce the chances of such anxiety responses occurring

49
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
2. The avoidant/anxiety responses:
As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to reduce the chances of such anxiety responses occurring.
Example

A

For example, if someone has a fear of ghosts, they won’t take a short-cut home through the graveyard at midnight

50
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
2. The avoidant/anxiety responses:
As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to reduce the chances of such anxiety responses occurring.
For example, if someone has a fear of ghosts, they won’t take a short-cut home through the graveyard at midnight.
Unless the sufferer is making a conscious effect to face their face, they tend to go to a lot of effort to do what?

A

Unless the sufferer is making a conscious effect to face their face, they tend to go to a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus

51
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responsse, disruption of functioning and endurance.
2. The avoidant/anxiety responses:
As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to reduce the chances of such anxiety responses occurring.
For example, if someone has a fear of ghosts, they won’t take a short-cut home through the graveyard at midnight.
Unless the sufferer is making a conscious effect to face their face, they tend to go to a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus.
What can this do?

A

This can make it hard to go about their daily life

52
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
2. The avoidant/anxiety responses:
As confrontation with feared objects and situations produces high anxiety responses, efforts are made to avoid the feared objects and situations, in order to reduce the chances of such anxiety responses occurring.
For example, if someone has a fear of ghosts, they won’t take a short-cut home through the graveyard at midnight.
Unless the sufferer is making a conscious effect to face their face, they tend to go to a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus.
This can make it hard to go about their daily life.
Example

A

For example:

  1. Someone with a fear of public toilets may have to limit the time they spend outside the home in relation to how long they can last without a toilet
  2. This in turn can interfere with work, education and their social life
53
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
3. Disruption of functioning:
Anxiety and avoidance responses are so extreme that they do what?

A

Anxiety and avoidance responses are so extreme that they severely interfere with:

  1. The ability to conduct everyday work
  2. Social functioning
54
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
3. Disruption of functioning:
Anxiety and avoidance responses are so extreme that they severely interfere with the ability to conduct everyday work and social functioning.
Example

A

For example, a person with a social phobia will find it very hard to:
1. Socialise with others
Or,
2. Interact meaningfully with them at work

55
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
4. Endurance:
What is endurance the alternative to?

A

Endurance is the alternative to avoidance

56
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
4. Endurance:
Endurance is the alternative to avoidance, in which what does a sufferer do?

A

Endurance is the alternative to avoidance, in which a sufferer:

  1. Remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus
  2. Continues to experience high levels of anxiety
57
Q

The behavioural characteristics of phobias are panic, the avoidant/anxiety responses, disruption of functioning and endurance.
4. Endurance:
Endurance is the alternative to avoidance, in which a sufferer remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus and continues to experience high levels of anxiety.
This may be unavoidable in some situations.
Example

A

For example, a person who has an extreme fear of flying

58
Q

What are the emotional characteristics of phobias?

A

The emotional characteristics of phobias are:

  1. Persistent, excessive fear (anxiety)
  2. Fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus
  3. The emotional responses are unreasonable
59
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
1. Persistent, excessive fear (anxiety):
Phobias produce high levels of anxiety, due to what?

A 
Phobias produce high levels of anxiety, due to the:
1. Presence of
Or,
2. Anticipation of
feared objects and situations
60
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
1. Persistent, excessive fear (anxiety):
Phobias produce high levels of anxiety, due to the presence of or anticipation of feared objects and situations.
What is anxiety?

A

Anxiety is an unpleasant state of high arousal

61
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
1. Persistent, excessive fear (anxiety):
Phobias produce high levels of anxiety, due to the presence of or anticipation of feared objects and situations.
Anxiety is an unpleasant state of high arousal.
What does this do?

A

This:

  1. Prevents the sufferer relaxing
  2. Makes it very difficult to experience any positive emotions
62
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
2. Fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus:
Phobias produce an immediate fear response, even what, due to the presentation of the phobic object or situation?

A

Phobias produce an immediate fear response, even panic attacks, due to the presentation of the phobic:
1. Object
Or,
2. Situation

63
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
3. The emotional responses are unreasonable.
Example

A

For example, with arachnophobia, a person may have a very strong emotional response to a tiny spider

64
Q

The emotional characteristics of phobias are persistent, excessive fear (anxiety), fear from exposure to the phobic stimulus and the emotional responses are unreasonable.
3. The emotional responses are unreasonable.
For example, with arachnophobia, a person may have a very strong emotional response to a tiny spider.
What is this?

A

This is widely disproportionate to the danger posed by any spider they’re likely to meet

65
Q

What are the cognitive characteristics of phobias?

A

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are:

  1. Selective attention to the phobic stimulus
  2. Irrational beliefs
  3. Cognitive distortions
  4. Recognition of exaggerated anxiety
66
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
1. Selective attention to the phobic stimulus:
If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus, what?

A

If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus, it is hard to look away from it

67
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
1. Selective attention to the phobic stimulus:
If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus, it is hard to look away from it.
Why is keeping our attention on something really dangerous a good thing?

A

Keeping our attention on something really dangerous is a good thing, because it gives us the best chance of reacting quickly to a threat

68
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
1. Selective attention to the phobic stimulus:
If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus, it is hard to look away from it.
Keeping our attention on something really dangerous is a good thing, because it gives us the best chance of reacting quickly to a threat, but when is this not so useful?

A

Keeping our attention on something really dangerous is a good thing, because it gives us the best chance of reacting quickly to a threat, but this is not so useful when the fear is irrational

69
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
1. Selective attention to the phobic stimulus:
If a sufferer can see the phobic stimulus, it is hard to look away from it.
Keeping our attention on something really dangerous is a good thing, because it gives us the best chance of reacting quickly to a threat, but this is not so useful when the fear is irrational.
What will a pogonophobic do?

A

A pogonophobic will struggle to concentrate on what they’re doing if there is a someone with a beard in the room

70
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
2. Irrational beliefs:
What may a phobic hold irrational beliefs in relation to?

A

A phobic may hold irrational beliefs in relation to the phobic stimulus

71
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
2. Irrational beliefs:
A phobic may hold irrational beliefs in relation to the phobic stimulus.
Example

A

For example, social phobias can involve beliefs like:
1. ‘I must always sound intelligent’
Or,
2. ‘If I blush, people will think I’m weak’

72
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
2. Irrational beliefs:
A phobic may hold irrational beliefs in relation to the phobic stimulus.
For example, social phobias can involve beliefs like ‘I must always sound intelligent’ or ‘If I blush, people will think I’m weak.’
What does this kind of belief do?

A

This kind of belief increases the pressure on the sufferer to perform well in social situations

73
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
3. Cognitive distortions:
What may be distorted?

A

The phobic’s perceptions of the phobic stimulus may be distorted

74
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
3. Cognitive distortions:
The phobic’s perceptions of the phobic stimulus may be distorted.
Example

A

For example, an ophidiophobic may see snakes as:

  1. Alien
  2. Aggressive-looking
75
Q

Phobics

A

Phobics are people who suffer from phobias

76
Q

The cognitive characteristics of phobias are selective attention to the phobic stimulus, irrational beliefs, cognitive distortions and recognition of exaggerated anxiety.
4. Recognition of exaggerated anxiety:
Generally phobics are what that the anxiety levels they experience in relation to their feared object or situation are overstated?

A 
Generally phobics are consciously aware that the anxiety levels they experience in relation to their feared:
1. Object
Or,
2. Situation
are overstated

A Level AQA Psychology COPY (145 decks)

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