Macquarie University’s School of Psychology tells us biophobia dramatically affects the way humans behave. Besides its fiscal benefits, she highlights its impact on the environment. Biophobias trigger anxiety, fear, and in some cases disgust toward certain living organisms or aspects of the natural environment. These shadow emotions can make us toxic to our ecological efforts. These fears can lead people to distance themselves from the natural world, which in turn can affect their perceptions of the environment and environmental action.
Norberg points out that specific phobias, including biophobias, are among the most treatable mental health conditions. Even just one, concentrated half-day exposure therapy session can bring about remarkable improvements in reducing these fears. By combating biophobias, we can help create a greater understanding of these worlds and create a better balance between people and nature.
The Nature of Biophobias
Biophobias are much wider in scope. Fears of germs, plants, mushrooms, and even a fear of going into thick forests. So common childhood fears remain and/or come back once you have a bad experience. A person who has a severe, debilitating fear of cockroaches would need to bring in an exterminator multiple times per year. They are more likely to stop walking outside at night to avoid their fear.
In Australia, the cultural instinct to protect visitors from dangerous wildlife can exacerbate pre-existing biophobias, Norberg points out. She argues that warnings such as these lead to a cycle of fear. This fear more than usually outweighs the actual danger posed by these animals.
“But generally our fears come from learning about them from other people, like hearing frightening news reports about shark attacks, or even recent intensive news coverage about mushroom poisoning,” – Professor Melissa Norberg
The current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), the official reference for psychiatric disorders, emphasizes the individual impact of disorders. Norberg encourages us all to think more broadly about our biophobias. With a “One Health” perspective, which recognizes the complex relationship between human health, animal health, and the environment, she calls attention to these deep connections. This lens would help shape more effective policies and interventions.
Consequences of Biophobias
The impacts of biophobias go further than individual unease. They can have real ecological effects. People living with these phobias tend to stay away from the outdoors. By avoiding these pests until they’re too established to control, farmers may resort to more toxic pesticides. This mode of avoidance is deeply poisonous to conservation efforts and goes a long way in choking support for environmental causes.
Norberg goes on to describe how these biophobias can make us resistant to adopting more sustainable ways of living. Anxiety towards insects can have a huge impact on your likelihood to accept alternative protein. So for instance, you may decide not to eat cricket flour or insect snacks in general.
“Biophobias can include a range of harmful consequences ranging from excessive pesticide use to undermining conservation efforts,” – Professor Melissa Norberg
Additionally, the misinformation that tends to surround these so-called “scary” organisms can further amplify these fears. Dual benefits of improving public perception One, we know that many people are afraid of mushrooms because they can’t tell which ones are safe to eat.
“It’s important to find out honest information rather than letting fear drive our decisions. Death cap mushrooms might be poisonous—but portobello mushrooms are fine and tasty,” – Professor Melissa Norberg
Addressing Biophobias through Early Intervention
Norberg highlights the importance of early intervention on a number of fronts to combat biophobias. She recommends that the solutions start early in childhood—like with free outdoor education programs, including weekly gardening classes. These experiences create an early spark that nurtures a lifelong love of nature and its wonders. They further prevent the emergence of phobias later in life.
While many dismiss specific phobias as trivial, believing that individuals can simply rearrange their lives to avoid their fears, Norberg argues that this perspective overlooks the broader implications of these conditions. Unlike other mental health disorders which can seep into all aspects of life, the effects of specific phobias are usually more contained to certain situations.
“Both mental health professionals and the general public tend to dismiss specific phobias—like the fear of dogs or forests—as no big deal,” – Professor Melissa Norberg
By facilitating exposure to previously feared entities in a controlled manner, mental health professionals can help individuals overcome their anxieties.
“By helping people to overcome these phobias, which is possible, we could address much larger environmental and health challenges facing our world,” – Professor Melissa Norberg