Phobias are strong, lasting fears that can affect a person’s work and personal life. A well-known example appears in the film Vertigo, where the main character has an extreme fear of heights and leaves his job as a police officer.
Phobias affect many people: as many as 13% of the US population are affected. Common specific fears include fear of spiders, fear of enclosed spaces, and fear of rats. These examples show that phobias often focus on a thing or a situation.
An expert at a university answers questions about what phobias are and how someone might overcome them, but the text here does not give detailed steps or specific treatments.
Difficult words
- phobia — a very strong and long-lasting fearphobias
- affect — to cause a change in someone or somethingaffected
- extreme — much stronger than normal or usual
- enclosed — closed in on all sides and not open
- population — all the people who live in an area
- overcome — to succeed in dealing with a problem or fear
- expert — a person with special knowledge or skill
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever been afraid of something like a phobia? What was it?
- Would you talk to an expert if a fear affected your work? Why or why not?
- Which specific fear in the article surprised you and why?
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