BiologicalLearning-basedPsychoanalytic
It is unlikely that these three categories are mutually exclusive as chances are that multiple causes interact in individuals to cause phobias. For example, it may be that biological differences in the brain are triggered by an experience or something in that person’s environment, or that a negative experience may lead to a learned response. Look at these theories and you’ll see how complex the development of a phobia is, and why it likely stems from a combination of many factors.
Ego Id Superego
The id is the most primal and instinctive part of the mind and is the basis of our drives. The superego composes morals, values, and prohibitions internalized during development. The ego is the rational moderator between the two. A significant portion of the ego’s duty is to control the impulses of the id. Positive reinforcement is the presentation of something positive, such as a parent rewarding a child for staying away from a snake. Positive punishment is the presentation of something negative or unfavorable to prevent that behavior from occurring again, such as a child being bitten by a snake. Neuropsychologists have identified certain genetic factors that may play a role in the development of phobias. It is also known that certain medications that affect the brain’s chemistry are helpful in treating phobias. In some cases, a combination of genetic and physiological issues may be at play. For others, the cause may be psychological or environmental. Fortunately, exposure treatments are effective for phobias, regardless of their causes.
