Can your culture influence the phobias you have?

Phobias are usually acquired through a negative experience or learnt from family members. So, can certain phobias become common cultures? Cultures are based on people who have similar ways of thinking and share beliefs. When boiled down, phobias are a form of beliefs our minds make to prevent us from danger. It’s not exactly easy to find phobias that pertain to any one culture. Still, here are some examples of notable differences in phobias in some cultures.

1: Xenophobia
​North America is currently going through a political awakening. One of the biggest debates is on the topic of immigrants.  It has been made clear there are many Americans who have Xenophobia to varying degrees. Xenophobia is the dislike and distrust of foreigners. This behaviour can be found around the world, but it is most prominent in the U.S.

2: Ataque de Nervios
​Ataque de Nervios isn’t a phobia but the reaction to fear. It is seen mainly in Puerto Rican women among other Latinos. It is different to phobia in that they react in this way to rational situations but similar in the exaggeration of the behaviour. They may display shaking, screaming and crying and even fainting.

3: Taijin Kyofusho
​Taijin Kyofusho is the fear of offending others and as a result, being shunned or embarrassed by others. This is specific to Japanese people. They will do all the can to be liked by their peers which can put an immense amount of pressure and stress on them. Japanese people often consider cosmetic surgery as they feel like they are expected to have a certain body type and feel ashamed if their body is different to the standard.

4: Social Phobia
​Contrasting the Japanese, Western society tends to have phobias where they avoid social interaction due to social phobias. This is because of the focus and expectations we have of people in Western society compared to other parts of the world where there are different priorities. Social phobias can be linked with other disorders such as depression and there are several types. To read more about social phobias click here.

There isn’t much knowledge on Phobias specific to cultures, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Looking into it could be beneficial in understanding how phobias and our minds work. Note that if you or anyone you know is going through any of these issues to an irrational point there are professionals to help you surpass them.
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