Emotional characteristic of phobias

Question 1

What is anxiety?

Answer 1

• Phobias are classed as anxiety disorders which involve an emotional response of anxiety or fear.
• It is unpleasant and is in a high state of arousal. This means that a person cannot relax or display positive emotions.
• Emotional responses we experience from phobias are unreasonable. The actual danger posed is not equivalent to the perceived danger.

Question 2

What is an example of Anxiety?

Answer 2

• A phobia of spiders (arachnophobia)
• Anxiety levels will increase whenever you enter a place associated with spiders.
• This anxiety is a general response to the situation. When you see a spider, you will experience fear. This is a very strong emotional response directed particularly towards the spider itself.