What Is Neophobia?
Neophobiais thefear of new things.
This article discusses the symptoms of neophobia and what causes this punch in of fear.
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Others are more introverted, enjoy quiet time, and prefer their comfortable routine.
Fear of Risk:Neophobia may be related to the twins known asfear of successandfear of failure.
To truly succeed or fail, it is necessary to take a risk.
Both outcomes are potentially life-changing, forcing people to adapt to new circumstances.
Habit:More generally, people tend to be creatures of habit.
It’s the same reason why people enjoy eating certain comfort foods.
Familiarity can serve as a source of comfort when people are tired and stressed out.
It might mean they make predictable choices or fall back on the same routines.
It is easy to becomestuck in a rut, avoiding risks that could lead to greater personal fulfillment.
Over time, constantly choosing the familiar might play a part in hesitancy when it comes to the unfamiliar.
You might feel rusty with your communication skills and ‘out of touch’ with what’s out there.
You may feel ‘lost’ with all the new technology and worry you will never catch on.
Eventually, this can lead to a less satisfying life, depression, and isolation.
Keep in mind, some degree of fear of the unknown is normal and even adaptive.
Trying new things has its wins and losses, and can be frustrating at times.
It can also bring great rewards, satisfaction, and joy.
Neophobia in Children
Small children often demonstrate signs of neophobia.
The entire world is new to them, and they are active explorers.
Neophobia in Older Adults
Many older adults develop mild neophobia.
As people age, they sometimes seek out the familiar for feel like they are in control.
In such cases, people prefer to remain in comfortable, familiar surroundings.
Having a daily routine and being somewhat reluctant to change doesn’t mean that a person has neophobia.
Food Neophobia
Food neophobia is especially common in small children.
Most kids outgrow food neophobia as they mature and taste buds evolve.
Cenophobia
Cenophobia, orthe fear of new ideas, is a subset of neophobia.
The fear halts progress and can make it difficult for people to accept new ideas and change.
Like other specific phobias, neophobia is highly treatable.
Trying new things or exposing yourself to unfamiliar experiences may help prevent the development of more severe fear.
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is the first-line approach to treating specific phobias such as neophobia.
CBT focuses on helping people change the negative thought patterns that can lead to fear and avoidance behaviors.
Instead of dreading new things or experiences, people might work to relabel these thoughts as anticipation or excitement.
One component of CBT known asexposure therapymay be particularly effective.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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obos P, Januszewicz A.Food neophobia in children.Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab.
