Although arachnophobia comes from the Greek word 'arachne', meaning spider, the fear also branches out to all arachnids, including scorpions.
An estimated 5% of people suffer from arachnophobia, but a much larger percentage of the population cannot avoid the crazy dance one performs after suddenly walking through a spiders web...
An estimated 5% of people suffer from arachnophobia, but a much larger percentage of the population cannot avoid the crazy dance one performs after suddenly walking through a spiders web...
Eight Legged Freaks!
Something no one with arachnophobia wants to see... We have all seen it before, someone walking ahead of you in the dark suddenly bursts out into a dance, arms flailing, jumping and twisting on the spot. There maybe screaming, moaning and probably a few 'blue words' thrown about. After a few seconds of this they stop and then start the very laborious task of checking their clothes, pulling off filaments, and making sure they have not collected a new friend.
Thats right – the iconic 'walking through a spiders web dance'.
Nearly everyone has done it, most people have seen it. It‘s a natural reaction for anyone suddenly suprised by passing through a web. We may laugh at it afterwards (your friends definitely will), but spare a thought for those with arachnophobia – for them it is not a funny thing at all.
Thats right – the iconic 'walking through a spiders web dance'.
Nearly everyone has done it, most people have seen it. It‘s a natural reaction for anyone suddenly suprised by passing through a web. We may laugh at it afterwards (your friends definitely will), but spare a thought for those with arachnophobia – for them it is not a funny thing at all.
A scene from Arachnophobia! People with arachnophobia (a fear of spiders and other arachnids) will show signs of a completely irrational nature. It does not take walking through a web to cause an arachnophobe to break out into a sweat, stifle their breathing, or even have major heart palpitations – no, just the thought that a spider may be in the vicinity is enough to do that (this post probably does not help either).
Actually seeing a spider, or worse, finding one on their person, can cause an all out panic attack and, in extremely rare circumstances, can develop into a catatonic state.
Actually seeing a spider, or worse, finding one on their person, can cause an all out panic attack and, in extremely rare circumstances, can develop into a catatonic state.
Why so Scary to Some?
An arachnophobes worst nightmare! It is thought arachnophobics are born with the fear. This fear of spiders (and other dangerous creatures) is thought to be an exaggerated evolution of a survival instinct acknowledging that the 'creature is dangerous, could cause harm or death, so lets stay away from it!'
It can also develop after a traumatic event.
As such, with so many people uneasy around spiders (not everyone is an arachnophobe, but plenty of people will keep their distance), many horror movies have utilised them as the protagonist:
- Arachnophobia
- Spiders
- Curse of the Black Widow
- Tarantula
- Eight Legged Freaks
Hell, even certain scenes in Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings could well cause shrieks of fear!
(If you know of any other movies someone with this phobia should steer clear of, post in the comments below!)
It can also develop after a traumatic event.
As such, with so many people uneasy around spiders (not everyone is an arachnophobe, but plenty of people will keep their distance), many horror movies have utilised them as the protagonist:
- Arachnophobia
- Spiders
- Curse of the Black Widow
- Tarantula
- Eight Legged Freaks
Hell, even certain scenes in Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings could well cause shrieks of fear!
(If you know of any other movies someone with this phobia should steer clear of, post in the comments below!)
Ashley Hall 2013
RSS Feed
