Zoophobia, or fear of animals, is a common fear, especially among children, and varies based on location and certain factors. Fear of specific animals is more common than fear of all animals, with spiders, birds, and bees being the most common fears. Severity of a phobia is based on unpredictability, dangerousness, disgust, and uncontrollability. Fear of animals is more common in young children, but one in five people is expected to develop a fear of animals at some point in their lives.
Fear of animals, also known as zoophobia, is probably one of the most common fears in the world. While fear of all animals is rare, fear of specific animals is common, especially among children. These fears vary based on certain factors and based on location, and are usually centered around native animals that may or may not cause the most harm. Researchers believe that one in five people will develop a fear of animals at some point in their lives. Fear of spiders, birds, and bees are generally the most common fears experienced by the general population, with fears of dogs and snakes also topping the list.
The severity of a phobia is typically centered around four factors: unpredictability, dangerousness, disgust, and uncontrollability. Animals that rank highest in these four categories are typically on the no-allow list for those with a fear of animals. While those who experience true zoophobia, which is rare, disagree with all nonhuman animals, the vast majority of the population has an extreme dislike for one or more specific animals. The severity of the dislike and associated symptoms such as trouble breathing and panic attacks separate common fears from a phobia.
How common these fears are typically depends on the location. In the United States, for example, where most people live in towns or cities, experience with dangerous animals can be much rarer than in other countries where dangerous animals are more a part of daily life. Areas with a high population of dangerous animals tend to experience an increased animal fear rate. Dogs seem to elicit the most common feelings of fear in the United States, as there is a large population of them and people encounter them often. In Australia, however, the most common fear of animals is arachnophobia due to the dangerous spider population in the area.
While one in five people is expected to develop a fear of one or more animals at some point in their lives, fear of animals is more common in young children, especially those younger than 10 years of age. For children who typically have a limited understanding of the world, the four factors that cause this fear are much more pronounced. While an adult may understand that a barking dog is just asking for a quick pet, a child may not. Although many children eventually overcome their fears, zoophobia is still one of the most common fears in adults.
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