Psychologically, are women really more fearful, or are they more likely to admit their fears?

Question

In my abnormal psych class, we're going over phobias and anxiety disorders. Statistically, women are 3-4 times more likely to be diganosed with an axiety disorder, and 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed with a phobia. (more men seek treatment though.. i wonder why.) This is all in america- the numbers change by country (from 6x more likely in korea to 1.3x in peuto rico, but every country that has been studied showed a higher rate in women)

Anyway, here is the question. Do you think that women are really afraid of more things then men are? Or has society deemed it unacceptable for men to admit to their fears as often as women? What do you think?

Answer 1

I'd say both alternatives are correct. Women are more fearful because of their upbringing, which, paradoxically enough, also encourages them to be more likely than men to admit their fears. Men are raised with the false thought that they should be fearless. And fear is something normal. It's a defense mechanism. But men are expected to refrain from it, or else they would be marked as cowards.

Answer 2

Hmmmm... could be either way. But, my feeling is that in the US, it is not "PC" for men to show their feelings - including their fears. Men are supposed to be the "protectors" and not fearful.

I have a severe phobia, and people know about it- I don't keep it a secret. It's not unusual for people to "poke fun" at me about my phobia. Usually I can take it, but sometimes it's hard. I imagine it would be even worse for a guy.

Oh, if you're wondering, my phobia is of birds. Been afraid all my life (no I didn't see the movie the Birds) and probably will be 'cuz it's pretty bad.

Answer 3

Yes I think women are more fearful. We worry more and get over whelmed by it. I use to suffer panic attacks allot and never did I ever told my husband I kept it from him. He never had an idea what I was going through I played it real good. Maybe If I would of told him things would of been better for me. Now when they try to come I let my husband know about it and believe it or not it helps because my husband is very positive and when I think negative it gets over powered. Now I no how to cope with them and face them and the more I face them I over come them. The trick is to attack it back face it and fight back with the power that's within.The more I deal with it the easier it gets to get rid of them. They have no control you do. My god gives me the strength not to let such as these things get to me. The peace that he gives me cast out all fears