Apparently there is only one fear you actually naturally have at birth - I can't remember what it is but I think it's falling, or something like that.

All other fears and phobias are a learned response. Either to a pain stimulus (don't stick you finger in a fire twice), a trauma (being locked in a cupboard as a child with only the spiders for company) or a copied response - such as having a parent afraid of spiders.

The theory basically runs that if they are all a learned response, then you can 'unlearn' them - thereby effectively becoming phobia free.


Personally I don't have any phobias - which is a pity. I'd like to have one, just for a day to see what it's like.
But then I'm potentially terminally curious! :roll:

hieghts might be it K.

I know rock climber guys, who are not afraid of hieghts just suddenly get a snap of fear so hard, that they vomited instantaneously.

The reason I thought it may be falling is that that is basically how you learn to walk - it's the act of falling over forwards, indefinately postponed!

Hmmm, curious now - I'll see if I can find out.

I saw on some documentary a theory that we're born with a fear of falling like K said. Apparently it developed when, at some point, humans slept in trees. It's also the reason why you sometimes get that involuntary reaction to a 'falling feeling' when you're close to falling asleep.

Oh, and before I derail any further...

Spiders, not bothered in the slightest, will happily pick them up etc. But moths & other winged wee beasties - ewwwwwwwwwww! 8-[

Solid fact of the day stuff there K if you get the answer.

Well, from a brief flick through some stuff it seems to either be a fear of falling or of loud noises - or both. :?

well i went on a mini beast safari for a school trip today and picked up loads of bugs including beetles, centipedes, spiders and other 4 legged things. only thing i dont like is worms and snakes. they have no legs how can they move its just not right. :?

Neither has the lesser spotted and publicity shy trouser-snake, and that twitches and moves all the time. ;)

its great when it twitches :twisted:

Are you sure you don't mean his two companions just below a bit?!?! I thought they moved and twitched all the time but hey what do I know... I'm just a shy plain 'ol girlie! :wink: