Experts are not entirely sure whyphobiasdevelop.
Psychoanalytic Theory
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Sigmund Freudis popularly known as the father of psychoanalysis.
The superego composes morals, values, and prohibitions internalized during development.
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The ego is the rational moderator between the two.
A significant portion of the egos duty is to control the impulses of the id.
According to this theory, phobias are based on anxiety reactions when the ego is overwhelmed by these forces.
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The phobia may symbolically represent some other internal source of anxiety.
Since then, numerous psychologists have built on Pavlovs work to develop more complex theories of human behavior.
According to the learning theory, phobias develop when fear responses are reinforced or punished.
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Both reinforcement and punishment can be positive or negative.
Neuropsychologists have identified certain genetic factors that may play a role in the development of phobias.
It is also known that certain medications that affect the brains chemistry are helpful in treating phobias.
A Word From Verywell
At present, we have no definitive answer to what causes phobias.
In some cases, a combination of genetic and physiological issues may be at play.
For others, the cause may be psychological or environmental.
Fortunately, exposure treatments are effective for phobias, regardless of their causes.
