About this Research Topic
Fears and phobias constitute a significant segment of psychopathology, primarily due to their high prevalence and the ongoing ambiguity surrounding their origins and effective treatments. The dominant etiological theories have traditionally linked fears and phobias to distressing early childhood experiences, proposing a learned origin. However, these views are increasingly challenged by emerging behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and experiential perspectives. Meanwhile, treatments have evolved, with technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) revolutionizing exposure methods, though comparative studies on VR versus real-life exposure remain sparse.
This special edition seeks to consolidate the most recent theories and research findings concerning fears and phobias, serving as a comprehensive resource for academics, clinicians, and researchers. It aims to elucidate the underlying causes and improve treatment methodologies, thereby enhancing both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.
To comprehensively explore the complexities of fears and phobias, this edition will focus on several critical areas. Initial discussions will set the boundaries of current research and debates in the field. We welcome submissions on a variety of themes:
-Prevalence of various fears and phobias across international samples
-Conceptual, psychological, and physiological distinctions between fears and phobias
-Demographic variabilities, showcasing populations with highest and lowest incidence rates
-Neurophysiological markers, including EEG, ERP, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging studies
-Comparative analyses of therapeutic modalities like psychotherapy, medications, TMS, and VR-based exposure therapy
-Future directions and innovations in the research of fears and phobias
This special edition seeks to consolidate the most recent theories and research findings concerning fears and phobias, serving as a comprehensive resource for academics, clinicians, and researchers. It aims to elucidate the underlying causes and improve treatment methodologies, thereby enhancing both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.
To comprehensively explore the complexities of fears and phobias, this edition will focus on several critical areas. Initial discussions will set the boundaries of current research and debates in the field. We welcome submissions on a variety of themes:
-Prevalence of various fears and phobias across international samples
-Conceptual, psychological, and physiological distinctions between fears and phobias
-Demographic variabilities, showcasing populations with highest and lowest incidence rates
-Neurophysiological markers, including EEG, ERP, eye-tracking, and neuroimaging studies
-Comparative analyses of therapeutic modalities like psychotherapy, medications, TMS, and VR-based exposure therapy
-Future directions and innovations in the research of fears and phobias
Keywords: Fears, Phobias, Anxiety disorders, Psychopathology, Mental Health
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
