Ophidiophobia is an intense, irrational fear of snakes. Unlike normal fear, which
arises in response to actual danger (like encountering a rattlesnake in the
woods), ophidiophobia triggers anxiety even when thinking about snakes or
seeing them on television.
Symptoms of ophidiophobia include:
Emotional stress
and anxiety
A sense of
immediate danger or doom
Rapid heart rate
Sweating
Shaking, trembling
Shortness of
breath
Chest pain or
discomfort
Nausea
Dizziness, or feeling lightheaded
Fear of losing
control or death (also dread and terror)
Tingling
sensations
Avoidant behavior
(e.g., reptile houses at zoos, nature trails, some movies and jobs)
Prevalence
In the US, 64%
reported snakes as a cause of fear—32% reported being “very afraid” (Moore,
2014, March 27). The level of fear is worse for older (over age 65) Americans
(79% are scared). Fear of snakes is not the top fear in the UK but is still
common at 52% behind fear of heights and public speaking.
The fear of snakes is
among the most common fear. About half of a population reported a fear of
snakes and 2-3% met diagnostic criteria for snake phobia (Polák, 2016).
Gender Differences
Multiple studies, including Fredrikson,
Annas, Fischer and Wik (1996), have found specific gender differences in the
prevalence of ophidiophobia. In fact, women are four times more likely to have
a phobia of snakes compared to men.
Preparedness Theory
and Ophidiophobia:
Humans are biologically predisposed to fear snakes more
readily than other animals.
Fear acquisition happens faster with snakes due to our evolutionary
history.
The amygdala, a brain structure, which plays a role in
processing snake-related fear and response. (The amygdala is also involved in
memory formation.)
Causes and Diagnosis:
The fear network in the human brain,
involving the amygdala, plays a role in processing snake-related stimuli.
Diagnosis is based on symptoms outlined in
the most recent DSM.
Treatment and Overcoming Ophidiophobia:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is
effective in treating specific phobias.
Techniques like exposure therapy help
desensitize individuals to snake-related stimuli.
Practical ways to overcome ophidiophobia
include gradual exposure, relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help.
Ophidiophobia and Religion
The fear of snakes is common in many
cultures. In the Hebrew Bible, a snake appears as a talking character that
deceives Eve, the first woman in Genesis.
References
Fredrikson, M., Annas, P., Fischer, H., & Wik, G. (1996). Gender and age differences in the prevalence of specific fears and phobias. Behaviour research and therapy, 34(1), 33–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7967(95)00048-3
Moore, P. (2014, March 27). Snakes, heights
and public speaking are the top three fears in the Home of the Brave. YouGov.
Retrieved from https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/8983-argh-snakes
Polák, J., Sedláčková, K., Nácar, D.,
Landová, E., & Frynta, D. (2016). Fear the serpent: A psychometric study of
snake phobia. Psychiatry research, 242, 163–168.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.024
Cite this post
Sutton, G. W. (2024, March 6). Snake Phobia or Ophidiophobia. Psychology Concepts and Theories. Retrieved from https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2024/03/snake-phobia-or-ophidiophobia.html
Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is www.suttong.com
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