Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Question 1

What is Panic?

Answer 1

• A phobic person may panic in response to the presence of the phobic stimulus.
• Involves behaviours such as crying, screaming or running away. Children react differently (clinging or having a tantrum)

Question 2

What is avoidance?

Answer 2

• Unless the sufferer is making a conscious effort to face their fear, they tend to go to a lot of effort to avoid coming into contact with the phobic stimulus.
• Someone with a fear of public toilets may have to limit the time they spend outside the home to how long they can last without a toilet. This in turn can interfere with work, education and a social life.

Question 3

What is endurance?

Answer 3

• The alternative to avoidance
• When the sufferer remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus but continues to experience high levels of anxiety. This may be unavoidable in some situations i.e fear of flying