Phobias

Other psychologists propose a simpler explanation for phobias. They believe that a phobia is caused by a traumatic, or extremely upsetting, event. These traumas often occur in childhood and have a lasting effect on a person.

For example, imagine that you survived a powerful storm, a severe hurricane, or a destructive tornado as a young child. As a teenager, you are terrified of storms. Rain and wind, thunder and lightning make your heart race and your chest tighten. You refuse to leave home if there is even a small possibility of a storm. You suffer from a specific phobia of storms. Many psychologists would argue that this phobia is a result of a traumatic childhood event that has had a lifelong effect on you.