Case

Marianne and Joe were discussing what they are most afraid of; Joe explained that he

was really afraid of spiders and dark places. He said that when he was a child, he had been

playing hide-and-seek with his friends. Joe hid in the corner of his basement. It was dark, and

he didn't notice that he had stepped into a large spider web. When he felt something crawling

on his neck, he screamed and ran out of the basement. Marianne asked Joe if he ever goes

into basements now. He replied that he does, but he always makes sure a light is on and that

he brings a broom in case he needs to knock down any spider webs.

Questions

Question 1: Based on Joe's explanation of his fears, do they meet the criteria for a

phobia? Explain your rationale for your decision based on the diagnostic criteria for

phobias.

Phobia is defined as a persistent and unreasonable fear of a situation, object or place that

exists even when they think about it but are comfortable when the situation or its thoughts are

avoided (Comer & Comer, 2018). Based on Joe’s explanation, his fears do meet the criteria

for phobia. As per the definition of phobia, Joe’s fears are persistent, and he avoids going to a

dark basement and takes broom with him to knock down spider webs.

Phobia’s diagnostic criteria:

1. Persistent fear lasting at least six months: In Joe’s case, it has been over six months

since he experienced the spider and dark basement situation when he was a child

which means his fear has been persistent and lasting for over six months, in fact years

now.

2. Avoidance of the feared situation: Joe avoids the feared situation by not going to dark

basements or taking a broom so that he can clear spider webs if he has to.
Question 2: Describe the difference between common fears and a phobia.

Phobia is a persistent and unreasonable fear of a situation, object, or place whereas common

fear is a regular emotion. Fears can alert us of danger and protect us by taking constructive

actions or decisions. Fears can also be negative if they are excessive and turn into phobia or

anxiety disorder. Fears are sometimes functional as they allow us to build courage, become

resilient, build confidence, solve problems, avoid danger etc. However, they can be

dysfunctional when excessive. Some of the differences between common fear and phobia are

mentioned below (Comer & Comer, 2018):

 Common fears are mild to moderate discomfort whereas phobias cause significant

discomfort.

 Common fears are occasional, but phobias are persistent.

 Common fears may sometimes be functional whereas phobias are always

dysfunctional.

 People react to common fears by sometimes avoiding it whereas phobias are

constantly avoided.

Question 3: Explain the difference between fear and the symptoms related to an anxiety

disorder.

Fear is a regular, biological emotion or response to imminent danger or situation whereas

anxiety disorders are caused by an excessive apprehension or worry of things that may or

may not occur. Anxiety disorders are triggered by various stimuli. According to biological

theorists, generalized anxiety disorders are a result of hyperactive fear circuit (Comer &

Comer, 2018). According to DSM-5, three or more of the following symptoms must have

been persistent for at least 6 months (or more) for a person to have anxiety disorder: 1)

restlessness, 2) fatigue, 3) difficulty concentrating, 4) muscle tension, 5) sleep disturbance

and 6) irritability.
 References

Comer, R. J. & Comer, J. S. (2018) Abnormal Psychology, 10th ed. Macmillan Publishing.

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