We are surrounded by fears, and throughout our lives, fear and apprehension have accompanied us since our earliest days. What changes are the things we fear? As we grow, our fears may grow and evolve. Perhaps what we should consider and give time to is why we are afraid in the first place.
Fear may reside more within us than in the external world. Yes, there are many reasons for fear, but many frightening things may not be scary if it weren't for our thoughts, imaginations, and emotions about them.
Fear in children is a natural reaction that arises in certain situations. Fear is defined as a strong, uncomfortable feeling that arises from the possibility of danger. Fear can be triggered by sudden loud noises, unfamiliar places, or painful experiences. Signs of fear may manifest on their faces and may be accompanied by screaming, running away, changes in facial expressions, or even involuntary urination. Fear spreads quickly among children. Comparing their fears with their peers helps them assess the extent of their fear. Natural fear is beneficial for their safety, but excessive and severe fear can negatively impact their personality and behavior.
Causes of Fear:
Fear in children arises from various sources. These sources include negative experiences the child goes through, such as exposure to painful experiences or fears arising from frightening accidents or situations. The child may express their fear through actions and facial expressions and may be influenced by the fears of those close to them, imitating them. A sensitive and emotionally or physically weak child may be more susceptible to fear. Some children may use fear as a means to influence others and gain their attention. Excessive focus from parents on the child's fear can exacerbate and discomfort the child. Fear acquired through imitation can develop into long-term issues that are challenging to address.
Common Childhood Fears:
Children's fears are common and tangible, and families can easily identify them because they are expressed clearly. These fears include fears of police officers, doctors, school, animals, darkness, fireworks, thunder and lightning, heights, water in swimming pools or the sea, fire, snakes, and insects. Some children may fear traveling by train or boat for the first time, fear crowds, illness, or climbing to high places. Some avoid meeting visitors in social situations.
Types of Fear:
Types of fear include real fear related to external things, such as darkness, and instinctive fear related to instincts, such as excessive fear of collapsing and dying. The intensity of instinctive fear can vary and may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as anxiety and rapid heart rate. The difference between the two lies in the source and degree, and they may not be problematic as long as they are reasonable.
Natural fear helps alert individuals to danger and protects them. There are other types of pathological fear, such as excessive fear of cats, people, lightning, and thunder.
Symptoms of Fear:
Symptoms of fear include facial features with widened eyes, a furrowed forehead, and raised eyebrows. The skin color may also change, transitioning from pink to yellow and then blue. Fear is also evident in the body's movements, which become random and erratic, and the frightened individual may experience difficulty controlling their voice, which may become shaky and unstable. Changes in heart rate and breathing may occur, with adrenaline flowing intensely in the bloodstream during severe fear.
Fear of Animals in General:
Fear of animals is a common fear in most children and diminishes with age and understanding the nature of pets. However, some individuals may continue to suffer from these fears into adulthood. Preschool-aged children may fear animals, including cats and dogs, and should be handled with caution and support. This fear can be reduced by gradually familiarizing the child with petting and feeding animals and gradually helping them interact with animals. Treating animals as vulnerable beings and offering help and love to them can strengthen the relationship between the child and animals and gradually reduce fear.
Ailurophobia: Fear of Cats
Ailurophobia is an irrational fear of cats, where affected individuals feel anxious when seeing or hearing cats. The fear may arise from witnessing others' fearful reactions towards cats. This fear may impact women more due to the portrayal of female characters in TV shows and movies exhibiting fear of cats. Cats are often associated with magic and malevolence due to their predatory nature, leading to phobia in some individuals. In some cultures, harming or killing cats is considered taboo, which can reinforce fear in individuals experiencing crises or excessive emotional reactions.
Symptoms of Ailurophobia:
Ailurophobia manifests as panic attacks upon seeing cats, and those affected tend to avoid confronting them. Common symptoms include:
- Increased heart rate and trembling.
- Chest pain and nausea.
- Balance disturbances and numbness.
- Thoughts of death or suffocation.
- Fight-or-flight response to the cat.
- Avoidance of cats at all costs, even in safe situations.
- Some individuals may avoid TV programs or places where cats are present and display various avoidance behaviors, such as throwing food to scare away cats.
Causes of Ailurophobia:
The reasons behind developing a pathological fear of cats include:
- Past traumatic events: People who have experienced traumatic incidents involving cats, such as being attacked by a cat or witnessing someone they know being harmed by a cat, may develop a phobia.
- Negative stories about cats: Some individuals view cats as carriers of evil, associating them with witches and the devil in medieval and Salem witch trials.
- Family history: The risk of developing Ailurophobia increases if close relatives or parents suffer from phobias or anxiety disorders.
- Imitation: Observing someone with Ailurophobia or hearing someone talk about their fear of cats can lead to the same phobia developing in an individual.
Dealing with Ailurophobia:
Ailurophobia is widespread and needs to be addressed both at home and in school. Parents and teachers should be educated about animal phobias in general and Ailurophobia in particular. The fear of cats can negatively impact children's personalities and may lead to bullying and mockery.
Tips for families to deal with a child suffering from Ailurophobia:
- Listen to your child's concerns.
- Allow your child to acknowledge and discuss their fears.
- Respect and accept their fears without judgment or ridicule, as these are genuine fears to them.
- Demonstrate calmness and stability to set an example of coping with fear and anxiety. Remember that many childhood fears are acquired by observing and imitating adults.
- Treat each fear individually and do not expect to address all of the child's fears at once.
- Avoid sudden, sharp, or unexpected exposure to frightening subjects.
- Gradually expose the child to the topic of their fear in small steps.
- Encourage and praise the child's efforts in overcoming their fears.
- Set clear expectations.
- Be patient and avoid pushing the child towards the thing they fear.
Parents can seek guidance from a mental health counselor to assist both them and their child as they are trained professionals with greater expertise who can provide the appropriate support.
In conclusion, Ailurophobia is a common problem that affects many children and young individuals. This group of people needs support and understanding from both family and school to overcome their fears and mitigate the negative impact on their lives.
Hence, the vital role of parents and teachers in raising awareness about animal phobias in general and Ailurophobia specifically, providing emotional support and encouragement to help them overcome these fears. Mental health counselors should offer therapy and counseling to children with Ailurophobia using effective behavioral techniques and personal care. Understanding and empathizing with children affected by Ailurophobia is essential for building a supportive and meaningful relationship, enabling them to overcome this difficulty and gain confidence in achieving their personal growth and development with confidence and happiness.
Maher Daboul
References:
- Al-Qawsi, Abdulaziz, 2006, "Child Fears," Anglo Egyptian Library, Egypt.
- Ibrahim, Abdul Sattar, Al-Dakhil, Abdulaziz, Ibrahim, Radwa, 2003, "Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents," Dar Al-Alam for Publishing and Distribution, Saudi Arabia, 2nd edition.
- Kosti, Marina, 2020, "School Phobia," Anglo Egyptian Library, Egypt.
- Al-Fawal, Mohammed Khair, 2006, "Culture of Fear," Damascus University, Faculty of Education, Syria.
- Mallou Al-Ain, Bashira, 2015, "The Secrets of Children's Fears: Causes and Treatment," Dar Amjad for Publishing and Distribution, Jordan.
- Al-Qurra, Mohammed, 2021, "Childhood Fears, Blackmail, and Violence," Dar Al-Mo'taz for Publishing and Distribution, Jordan.
- Al-Hussein, Khader, 2017, "Effectiveness of Supportive Behavioral Counseling in Reducing Specific Fears in a Sample of Children," Damascus University, Faculty of Education, Syria.
- Fear Of
- Cleveland clinic organization
- Health line
- verywellmind
Post a Comment