Characteristics

• What is a phobia defined as?


  Extreme and irrational fear of a stimulus
• How does fear in certain situations differ from a phobia?

  Fear can be protective, while phobia is irrational
• What makes the fear response in phobias maladaptive?


  It leads to conscious avoidance of the fear source
• What are the three types of characteristics associated with phobias?


  • Behavioral
  • Emotional
  • Cognitive
• What is a common behavioral characteristic of phobias?


  Avoidance of the feared object or situation
• What might happen behaviorally when someone encounters their phobia?


  They may faint or freeze when presented
• How do phobic behaviors affect daily activities?


  They interfere with other daily activities
• What emotional responses are typical for individuals with phobias?


  Excessive, unreasonable, and persistent fear
• What triggers the emotional response in phobias?


  Presence or anticipation of the feared object
• How do individuals with phobias perceive their fear?


  They recognize the irrational nature of their fear
• Why can't rational arguments help individuals with phobias?


  Because their fear is irrational and persistent
• What cognitive characteristic is common in phobias?


  Selective attention to the phobic stimulus