ROOTS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF PHOBIAS
INTRODUCTION: Fear – enemy or guide?
Every person is afraid of something. One fears the dark, another heights, another being alone. Fear is not just a biological reaction but also a psychological signal. A phobia is a form of fear that paralyzes the mind and everyday life. In this article, we’ll analyze the emotional roots, childhood imprints, traumas, and social origins behind phobias. Our goal is not to destroy fear, but to understand it. Because sometimes fear is the unheard voice of our inner self.
CHAPTER I: What is a Phobia?
1.1. Definition and origin
Phobia (from Greek “phobos” – fear) is an intense and irrational fear of a situation, object, or being that poses no real danger.
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A phobia is an unrealistic fear, but the feeling is real.
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A person knows the fear is absurd but still cannot stop it.
1.2. Main features of phobias
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Intense and uncontrollable fear
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Recurrent and persistent anxiety
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Avoidance behavior (staying away from the object of fear)
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Physical symptoms: sweating, racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling
CHAPTER II: How Do Phobias Form?
2.1. Childhood traumas
Often, the root of a phobia lies in an early childhood experience. For example:
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A child bitten by a dog at age 3 → develops cynophobia (fear of dogs)
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A child witnessing a mother screaming → may develop sound sensitivity or misophobia
2.2. Learned behavior
If a child sees a parent afraid of heights, they may adopt the same fear. Fear can be learned through imitation.
2.3. Brain defense mechanism
The amygdala is the part of the brain that identifies and responds to fear. Sometimes it sends false alarms due to traumatic memories, signaling "danger" even when there is none.
CHAPTER III: Types of Phobias
3.1. Specific (simple) phobias
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Arachnophobia – fear of spiders
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Achluophobia – fear of the dark
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Acrophobia – fear of heights
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Trypophobia – fear of hole patterns
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Claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces
3.2. Social phobias
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Fear of criticism
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Avoiding public speaking
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Discomfort in social interaction
People with social phobia often feel “trapped between loneliness and society.”
3.3. Complex and traumatic phobias
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Agoraphobia – fear of open spaces or being alone
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Emetophobia – fear of vomiting
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Thanatophobia – fear of death
CHAPTER IV: The Language of Fear – What Is a Phobia Telling Us?
4.1. Fear is a signal
A phobia is a message from the subconscious. It says: "You experienced trauma here," "You felt unsafe here."
Examples:
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Fear of enclosed spaces → “I felt emotionally trapped”
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Fear of public speaking → “I grew up feeling I wasn’t valuable”
4.2. The inner child is still afraid
A phobia is an emotion that hasn’t matured. While the body grows, fear stays frozen in the traumatic moment.
4.3. Fear protects us
Although it may seem contradictory, sometimes a phobia is a wall we build to protect ourselves. It keeps us away from situations we perceive as “dangerous.”
CHAPTER V: Psychological Causes of Phobia
5.1. Need for control
Phobia can stem from fear of losing control.
Example: fear of flying – being in a space and situation you cannot control.
5.2. Perfectionism and control
People with social phobia often feel they must appear perfect. The fear doesn’t come from judgment, but from being emotionally exposed.
5.3. Feeling of worthlessness
Social phobias are often rooted in low self-esteem and feeling unworthy.
CHAPTER VI: How to Work with Phobias?
6.1. Avoidance feeds the fear
The more a person avoids the object of their phobia, the more the brain confirms: “Yes, this is dangerous.” Avoidance strengthens the fear.
6.2. Exposure therapy
With professional guidance, the person gradually faces their fear. For example:
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Starting in a dimly lit room
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Then closing the door
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Eventually experiencing total darkness alone
6.3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
An excellent method to change thought patterns and help the person understand that the fear does not match reality.
6.4. Deep psychotherapy
Addresses root causes such as childhood trauma, parental relationships, and self-worth issues.
CHAPTER VII: Phobias and Society
7.1. Society’s role in amplifying fear
Society can label and magnify fears. For example:
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“Girls shouldn’t go alone” → instills fear and danger
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“Boys don’t fear” → enforces suppression of fear
7.2. Cultural phobias
In some cultures, fear of death is more common; in others, it’s fear of criticism.
Religious and social restrictions can also contribute to the development of phobias.
CHAPTER VIII: Getting to Know Your Fear – The First Step Toward Healing
8.1. Don’t deny your fear
Hiding fear doesn’t eliminate it — it just buries it deeper and causes greater psychological harm.
8.2. Dialogue with your fear
Ask yourself:
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Why am I afraid?
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When did I first experience this fear?
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What is this fear protecting me from?
8.3. Compassionate approach
Treat your fear not as an enemy but as your inner child. Say to it:
“I am here. You are no longer alone.”
CONCLUSION: Our Fears Are Letters Written to Us
Phobia is the “unread letter” of the psyche. It says:
“Look, a trace remains here… without understanding this, you can’t move forward in this part of life.”
We don’t need to destroy our fears.
We need to listen, understand, and embrace them.
Because sometimes, fear is the door that leads to healing.
Question & Feedback
What are you afraid of?
Is there a fear from childhood that still follows you?
Share your thoughts — because every fear is a voice, and it wants to be heard.