Fear is everyone’s companion at various times in life. We know how it feels but we don’t know much about how it works.
Today GenuLines takes a look at fear and what makes it tick.
The Psychology Of Fear
Fear is something we all have to deal with in some way at some time. It affects almost every part of the body from breathing to heart rate to muscle control.
But what is fear? And how can it grip us the way it sometimes does? Today we look at the psychology of fear. Why we feel it.
How it works. And what it does to our bodies when we experience it.
What is It?
Fear is a default survival tactic for all humans and animals. Fight or flight is pretty much embedded in each of us.
What kicks it into gear is the body experiencing fear as a danger (of any sort) approaches. We don’t face as many predators as our more animalistic ancestors did.
Yet we feel that something harmful is coming our way.
Decision Time
Fight or flight helps you decide whether the best and safest course of action is to fight the danger or flee from it.
But, there are different types of fear. As you well know, we aren’t only afraid of the serious dangers on our paths. The future or social situations are triggers too. They may not be life-threatening but they can provoke a similar fear-induced response.
Conditional Fears vs. Inerrant Fears
Inerrant fears are the fears you’re born with (danger, violence, small spaces, heights, etc.). Conditional fears are those you feel because of a bad experience and the fear of duplicating it.
Most fight-or-flight-triggering fears are inerrant fears. They involve fears of an approaching life-threatening danger. Conditional fears are more of our everyday fears. Fears of public speaking, relationship failure, the future, etc.
Effects On The Body
Fear triggers quite an interesting response in the body. It can spark a different reaction in each person.
And it can change with each fearful experience.
It can induce panic attacks, which are often different for each person. These usually feature breathing difficulties and shaking, that at times lead to fainting.
Your heart gets into the act, racing and making you feel antsy.
The Effects Are Many
Fear can affect almost every part of the body. It can keep us from reacting, paralyze us, cause us to make poor decisions, and more.
The following are ways that fear can affect our ability to function.
Decision Making
The first thing that fear can affect is our ability to make proper decisions. It can weaken the judgment which controls our decision-making abilities.
Our actions become defensive actions. These actions hinder your ability to assess options and make more informed decisions.
Outlook
Fear can be a big factor in changing your outlook. When the brain picks it up it starts to paint a negative picture. .
For instance, let’s say you’re at a Chevron gas station and a dog attacks you. You may start connecting Chevron stations or any gas station with the incident.
Panic
Our bodies’ panic reactions can disrupt body functions. Some people react to panic with paralysis and others with breathing problems.
Fear affects different people in different ways. Few of us stop to think about the psychology behind it.
With better understanding, you can work to overcome your fears. And you can use them to pump up your motivation.
JohnK 6-7-2021
Overheard: “Do one thing every day that scares you” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Article photo by samer daboul from Pexels
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