Characteristics Of Phobias

Question 1

What is a sudden intense fear response often associated with phobias?

Answer 1

Panic

Panic may include reactions such as crying, screaming, or fleeing.

Question 2

What term describes deliberate actions taken to prevent encountering the phobic stimulus?

Answer 2

Avoidance

Avoidance behaviors are common in individuals with phobias.

Question 3

What is it called when an individual remains in the presence of the phobic stimulus while experiencing high anxiety?

Answer 3

Endurance

Endurance can involve significant discomfort but is sometimes used in exposure therapy.

Question 4

What is the intense, unpleasant emotional state triggered by the phobic object or situation?

Answer 4

Anxiety

Anxiety is a key characteristic of phobias.

Question 5

What does selective attention to the phobic stimulus entail?

Answer 5

Focused attention on the threat

This makes it difficult for the individual to concentrate on other things.

Question 6

What are unreasonable and exaggerated beliefs related to the phobic stimulus called?

Answer 6

Irrational beliefs

These beliefs often contribute to the severity of the phobia.

Question 7

What term refers to perceptual distortions, such as seeing the phobic object as grotesque or dangerous?

Answer 7

Cognitive distortions

Cognitive distortions can exacerbate the fear response.