Phobias Research Estimates That Between Term Paper

All subjects surveyed showed signs of anxiety that occurs specifically in relation to a certain situation or object.

The following questions were contained on the survey. Individual phobic symptoms included insects, Scores for individual phobic symptoms ranged from 0 to 4:0 = no information; 1 = no; 2 = doubtful; 3 = mild; and 4 = moderate to severe.

RESULTS:

Frequency of reported phobias. (Males/Females) reported having greater number of phobia symptoms. The comparison was x % versus x%, which was/was not statistically significant.

More than x percent of individuals reported only one phobic symptom and more than x percent reported two or fewer symptoms; one individual reported four or more symptoms. The break down by gender was:

The top 5 phobias found for this age group where 1)fear of clowns 2) fear of the dentist-dentophobia 3)fear of the dark-achluophobia 4)fear of heights-hypsiphobia 5)fear of spiders-arachnophobia.

Frequencies

Phobia(s)

Gender

Discussion

As expected, x percent of youths of both genders report at least one case where phobia symptoms occurred; x percent have experienced more than one. The most prevalent forms of phobia are: In the "other" category, youths added (items).

However, it was not expected that females and males would have similar phobias and number of symptom reactions (change depending on results).

This topic was studied, because it is hoped that children at a younger age can be provided with support and information that will reduce any fears that arise when getting older. Although many fears may be innate, it is believed that some of learned from society and peers. Correct information will help youth better handle situations objectively as they arise.

If this study was repeated, it would be important to have a larger sample and use survey instruments that are professionally designed to measure phobias and the resultant reactions.It would also be necessary to have a blind group for validity purposes and that the survey be taken without being in a group with other youths. There may be the possibility that youths, especially boys, do not express themselves fully due to peer pressure.

This initial investigation justifies continued research on phobias among adolescents. Phobic symptoms are relatively common at a moderate level. More information about the differences in symptomatology between the different genders is needed. The use of similar psychiatric interviewing tools and case definitions by different researchers would allow results to be compared.

References

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American Psychiatric Association (1987), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition-revised (DSM-III-R). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association

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Costello, EJ (1989), Child psychiatric disorders and their correlates: a primary care pediatric sample. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 28:851-855

Kashani JH, Orvaschel, H (1988), Anxiety disorders in mid-adolescence: a community sample. American Journal of Psychiatry 147:313-318

Kashani, JH, & Orvaschel, H (1990), a community study of anxiety in children and adolescents. American Journal of Psychiatry 147:313-318

King, NJ, Hamilton, DI, & Ollendick, TH (1988), Children's Phobias: A Behavioral Perspective. New York: John Wiley.

King NJ, Ollier K, Lacuone R. et al. (1989), Fears of children and adolescents: a cross-sectional Australian study using the revised fear survey schedule for children.

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Marks IM (1987), Fears, Phobias, and….....