Arachnophobia: where the paws grow from

Arachnophobia is one of the most common zoophobias. Arachnophobia is more common than the fear of snakes or dogs. According to statistics, every fifth man and every third woman suffers from arachnophobia syndrome. Scientists around the world are working on the question of where this phobia came from and how old it is, but so far they have only put forward hypotheses, not daring to state anything specifically.

Together with the Internet edition estet-portal.com, we propose to find out what arachnophobia is, why so many people are afraid of spiders and whether it is possible to overcome this disease.

1. The concept of arachnophobia in the modern world
2. Where does the fear of spiders come from
3. Simple and effective ways to overcome arachnophobia

The concept of arachnophobia in the modern world

Arachnophobia – panic, uncontrolled fear of spiders, including not only large or unknown, but even simple house spiders. Those suffering from a phobia are not only afraid of living arachnids, but even their picture or photograph causes a panic attack. Watching movies, talking about these animals and accidentally coming into contact with the web cause anxiety and fear. People suffering from arachnophobia try not to appear in places where it is possible to meet even a small spider.

It is worth distinguishing a phobia from dislike. A lot of people just don't like the sight of a spider, or getting a web on them, but they don't get hysterical, they just try to shake the obstacle out of the way.

Thousands of various phobias. But arachnophobia is given a special place in the world, because the percentage of sufferers is very high. This phobia is in the top 10 most common phobias and only denounced: aerophobia, acrophobia, aquaphobia, autophobia, claustrophobia and nyctophobia.

Where does the fear of spiders come from

Scientists identify a number of reasons that can provoke the development of fear of spiders. Among them are the following factors:

Genetic predisposition. Some people have an instinct for self-preservation from spiders in their genes. This may be due to ancient times, when a person was too vulnerable to any dangers.
Parent factor. Often, parents who are afraid of spiders pass this fear on to their children without thinking. After all, children tend to repeat the behavior of adults.
Childhood trauma. A child can be frightened of an unknown animal, so much so that later and at a mature age, at the subconscious level, they continue to be afraid of spiders.
Surprise. Spiders move quickly and very silently. This often frightens people, because it is difficult to predict where to expect "danger" from.
A big difference from a human. Scientists have hypothesized that it is the strong difference in appearance between a spider and a person that plays a big role in the nature of arachnophobia. But this version is contradictory, since there are many other animals that bear little resemblance to humans, but are less scary.
Poisonousness of some individuals. A person subconsciously identifies all spiders and knowing that many of the arachnids are really dangerous and even deadly, he begins to be afraid of all kinds of spiders.

Simple and effective ways to overcome arachnophobia

Like any other phobias, the treatment for arachnophobia is based on psychological exercises, not drugs.

Confrontation therapy has worked well. The arachnophobic consent specialist gradually brings the patient closer to the object of his fear: with the help of video games in which you need to overcome virtual spiders or pictures of an insect.

The last step of treatment is direct contact with arachnids, in which the patient must touch the spider. Then it will be possible to say that the therapy is over.

Former arachnophobes often get pets – spiders. They thus completely get rid of fear, dominating the animal. Such cases are called fear overcompensation.

Thousands of phobias and fears are registered in the world that spoil the life of an ordinary person. Phobias and compulsive illnesses should be distinguished from mere unpleasant sensations. The good news is that almost anyone suffering from arachnophobia can be treated in the hands of a professional psychotherapist.

It is only important to determine what caused the fear and start therapy as soon as possible. Remember, when raising children, do not show them your fears and anxieties, as children then copy this manner and succumb to the same phobias.