Phobias

Question 1

Cognitive characteristics of phobias

Answer 1

-Irrational beliefs: Sufferers know their phobic stimulus is irrational
-Cognitive distortions: perceptions of phobia may be distorted
-Selective attention: Hard to look away from phobia if its in view

Question 2

Behavioural characteristics of phobias

Answer 2

-Avoidance: Tries to avoid phobic stimulus
-Panic: Often panicked state when phobia is present- crying and freezing
-Endurance: Might try to bear and withstand the anxiety whilst in the presence of phobia

Question 3

Emotional characteristics of phobias

Answer 3

-Anxiety: Anxiety disorders- high state of arousal and cannot relax
-Fear: Extremely unpleasant emotions when encountering phobia
-Emotions are unreasonable: fear and anxiety is disproportionate to the stimulus