The Psychology Behind Entomophobia
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It’s no surprise that insects have been the cornerstone of fear for many people over the years. Although relatively small, these creepy, crawly creatures cause panic in many.
Why Humans Fear
Insects are small and many are relatively harmless. Yet, many humans still view these benign creatures as a threat and feel anxiety that may be difficult to overcome. A professor from the University of Wyoming has recently set forth on a mission to uncover the reasons behind people’s fear in his new book, The Infested Mind: Why Humans Fear, Loathe and Love Insects” After his own experience in which he was swarmed by hundreds of grasshoppers on a research project, this professor saw the need to discover the exact mechanisms behind fear by delving into the psychology of insect phobia.
Discovering the source of such fear is not an easy task, because many people who fear insects don’t even enjoy discussing the existence of bugs. Nevertheless, Professor Jeff Lockwood effectively explores the roots of this condition. Could it be that humans fear being suddenly engulfed by a large flood of tiny, crawling insects? Or could it be that humans have evolved to fear something they don’t fully understand as a way to protect themselves in times of danger?
The Most Commonly Feared Insects
Everyone has something they simply do not like. In fact, everyone has something that summons within them a tiny twinge of fear. An insect phobia is perhaps one of the most common phobias.
According to statistics, these are the top five most feared insects:
- Cockroaches
- Grasshoppers
- Ants
- Spiders
- Beetles
Even when these insects do not cause any known human ailment or harm, just the thought of their structure can send the mind reeling. For people who experience entomophobia on a debilitating scale, many psychiatrists recommend the use of anti-anxiety medications. Along with keeping a tidy, pest-free home, reducing anxiety around insects largely depends on keeping a distance. More research is continuing to evolve behind the psychology of the human-insect relationship.
