Question

How does Seligman’s theory explain why we develop phobias

Answer 1

Seligman gave the theory of learned helplessness as a cause for Depression, anxiety and Phobias.

He proposed that people develop these conditions after a shock event only when they realize that its in inescapable and not because of its severity. If this inescapablilty factor is continued for long time, people become apathetic and depressed.

Eg A child not knowing to swim if accidentally falls of a boat, he she may realize that they cant escape this fearful situation so even though they may be saved by others, they may go on have a phobia of swimming.

Eg Many Panic disorder patients who get panic attacks but feel that they might die, fear latching the door thinking that they wont be able to escape the situation if anything goes wrong, they might also fear going to crowded places and using elevators for same reason( agoraphobia)