What is Fear ?

— Part I —

Fears are caused through negative feedback to the body.

What is your greatest fear? Height? Dark? Speed? Needle? What about public speaking? Horror films? Fears are usually associated with biological changes such as increased blood pressure, faster heart rate and breathing, shaking, or fainting. These biological reactions send negative feedback to the body, causing it to fear. The fear factor can sometimes be felt through meaning recognition. If a person does not understand the story, he or she may not be scared of a horror film. If a tourist believes bears are harmless, he or she may not be afraid of seeing one. Thus, fear can be alleviated by turning off the stimulus's input or changing its meaning. When watching horror films, for example, you can close your eyes or turn down the volume to reduce fear. Fear can also be taught by associating negative outcomes with specific conditions. Understanding and coping with fears is an important skill to develop as we go through life.