Global InformationThalassophobia information
| Thalassophobia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| The Atlantic Ocean, an example of a deep body of water | |
| Specialty | Psychiatry, clinical psychology |
| Duration | More than six months |
| Treatment | Systematic desensitisation, exposure therapy, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication |
Thalassophobia (from Ancient Greek θάλασσα (thálassa) 'sea', and φόβος (phóbos) 'fear')[1] is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water, such as the ocean, seas, or lakes. Though very closely related, thalassophobia should not be confused with aquaphobia, which is classified as the fear of water itself. Thalassophobia can include fears of being in deep bodies of water, the vastness of the sea, sea waves, aquatic animals, and great distance from land.[2]
The causes of thalassophobia are not clear and are a subject of research by medical professionals as they can vary greatly between individuals.[3] Researchers have proposed that the fear of large bodies of water is partly a human evolutionary response, and may also be related to popular culture influences which induce fright and distress.[4] It is also theorized that the underlying psychology of the phobia stems from the symbolic nature of water. Specifically, the vastness of the sea is often connected to one's deep unconscious.[5]
The severity of thalassophobia and the signs and symptoms associated with it are quite fluid and complex. People with thalassophobia go through numerous episodes of emotional and physical anguish caused by a variety of triggers.[6] Treatment may comprise a combination of therapy and anxiolytics, and is most effective when administered to patients during childhood, when thalassophobia is generally at its peak.[7]
- ^ "thalass(o)-, comb. form". OED Online. Oxford University Press. June 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
from Greek θάλασσα sea, and θαλάσσιος marine, formative elements of learned words. ... thalassophobia [is] a morbid dread of the sea.
- ^ Snyder, Kari (2003). "Attack of the Water Monster". Boating. 76 (4). New York: Hachette Filipacchi Media: 44. ISSN 0006-5374.
Thalassophobia is the fear of the sea and can be associated with the fear of water or waves, fear of the vast emptiness, or fear of distance from land.
- ^ "Thalassophobia: Causes and treatments for the fear of the ocean". www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2020-11-24.
- ^ Beasts of the deep : sea creatures and popular culture. Hackett, Jon, Harrington, Seán. Herts, United Kingdom. 2 February 2018. ISBN 978-0-86196-939-5. OCLC 1024275039.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ Jamieson, Alan J; Singleman, Glenn; Linley, Thomas D; Casey, Susan (2021-07-28). Browman, Howard (ed.). "Fear and loathing of the deep ocean:why don't people care about the deep sea". ICES Journal of Marine Science. 78 (3): 797–809. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsaa234. ISSN 1054-3139.
- ^ "Thalassophobia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments". Choosing Therapy. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
- ^ "What is Thalassophobia And How Can You Cope with It? | Betterhelp". www.betterhelp.com. Retrieved 2020-11-25.