Characteristics of Phobias (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

4.2.1 Characteristics of Phobias

Characteristics of mental health disorders

Phobias:

A phobia is a persistent anxiety disorder, which interferes with daily living. It is an irrational fear which an individual will try to avoid.

Behavioural

• Avoidance behaviour
• Panic - crying, screaming, running away
• Endurance - remaining in an anxious/panic state

Emotional

• Irrational, persistent and excessive fear.
• High level of anxiety when exposed to the stimulus,.
• Anxiety is disproportionate to the risk posed by the phobic stimulus

Cognitive

• Selective attention - focus remains on the phobic stimulus, even when it is causing severe anxiety.
• Irrational beliefs — incorrect perception as to what the danger posed actually is.
• Cognitive distortions — Individuals don't perceive the phobic stimulus accurately.