Most can control this fear and some even enjoy the feeling that it creates.
It’s fun to get a little spooked!
Symptoms
Phasmophobia can be characterized by a range of different symptoms.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Phasmophobia is often related to thanatophobia.
The fear of ghosts could be seen in the same way.
Causes
Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of phobias such as phasmophobia.
Stressful experiences and social influences can also play a part.
Scary movies and other cultural or religious influences related to the supernatural can also play a part.
Other factors that can contribute to phasmophobia include magical thinking, supernatural beliefs, and parapsychology.
A broad definition ofmagical thinkingcould include virtually any beliefs that focus on irrational correlations between events.
Supernatural Beliefs
The corollary to magical thinking is theexistence of religious beliefs.
By definition, most religious teachings must be taken on faith.
Many religions teach that most of these beings are evil, capable of tempting or harming humans.
Likewise, angels and other beings are frequently seen as benevolent and helpful.
Parapsychology
Parapsychology is a branch of science that attempts to document and study occurrences of paranormal activity.
Its status as a legitimate science has long been debated within the scientific community.
Some of the results that have been obtained cannot be fully explained through current scientific principles.
However, many argue that this is due to a failure to use the established scientific method.
Parapsychology is not to be confused withtranspersonal psychology,which centers on the spiritual aspects of human life.
Mental health professionals may try a variety of treatments.
Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may help people manage some of these responses.
In many cases, medications tend to be most effective when combined with other treatments.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can also be helpful in the treatment of phasmophobia.
There are several different types that may be considered.
It’s important to understand what your goal is for therapy.
Do you simply want to be able to enjoy ghost stories andhorror movieswithout panicking?
Are you questioning your religious beliefs?
Is there a bigger issue, such as fear of death, that should be addressed?
Your therapist needs to be careful to follow your lead.
Talk to your therapist aboutyour needs and goalsto develop a plan that is right for you.
Coping
Research suggests that fear of the supernatural and ghosts leads people to experience feelings of shame.
Relaxation techniquescan be a great way to manage feelings of anxiety as they arise.
Some techniques you might try include deep breathing, relaxation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Social support can also be important when you are coping with a stressful situation.
Effective treatments are available that can help you manage your fears.
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.
Washington, DC: 2013.
Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry.
2004;60(8):809-820. doi:10.1002/jclp.20039
