What Is Roller Coaster Phobia?

Today, roller coasters may be created from either wood or steel.

This phenomenon is demonstrated repeatedly in extreme sports, horror movies, and the multibillion-dollar Halloween industry.

roller coaster going so fast that it’s blurry

Minoru Kuriyama / Getty Images

To answer that question, it is important to understand the basicpsychology of fearas it relates to phobias.

One aspect of anxiety disorders is the fear of fear itself.

They see fear as something negative that must be avoided at all costs.

Aphobiaoccurs when the normal fear response becomes twisted.

Objects or situations that are not inherently dangerous become the focus of fear.

Although people with phobias know that their reactions are irrational, they are unable to control them.

Components of Roller Coaster Phobia

Specific phobias are typically tied to anxiety around particular objects or situations.

Instead, it may be a very real concern based on the individuals medical history.

Virtually all roller coasters, even those designed for children, carry standard health restrictions.

Fortunately, there are measures you could take to conquer your phobia and even learn to love roller coasters.

Take Baby Steps

Systematic desensitizationis an extremely popular therapeutic technique.

This kind of exposure therapy is a common treatment option for many phobias.

Begin with a coaster that you are completely comfortable with so that you will have success.

Ride that one a few times before stepping up to a slightly scarier version.

Take your time and never force yourself to do anything.

Bring a Friend

A well-chosensupport personcan help you slowly work through your fears.

A friend can preview each coaster before you ride, letting you know exactly what to expect.

Your support person can also provide a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on.

However, it is important to choose your support person carefully.

Bloom P.The Paradox of Pleasurable Fear.

2012 Feb 3;4(1):e3.