Which statement best aligns with the criteria of Specific Phobia?

Which statement best aligns with the criteria of Specific Phobia?

• A. Fear is directed at many stimuli and is generalized
• B. Fear is not related to a specific object
• C. Fear is irrational and persistent toward a specific stimulus and excessive
• D. Fear does not cause avoidance or impairment

Answer: (C)

Specific phobia is defined by a marked fear or anxiety about a particular object or situation, where exposure triggers a strong, often immediate reaction that is out of proportion to the actual danger and leads to avoidance and impairment. The statement that describes fear as irrational and persistent toward a specific stimulus and excessive fits this idea precisely: the fear is tied to one defined trigger, the response is not reasonable for the level of threat, and it is more intense than necessary. The other descriptions point to broader, non-specific fear, or to fear without avoidance or impairment, which don’t match how specific phobia presents.

Specific phobia is defined by a marked fear or anxiety about a particular object or situation, where exposure triggers a strong, often immediate reaction that is out of proportion to the actual danger and leads to avoidance and impairment. The statement that describes fear as irrational and persistent toward a specific stimulus and excessive fits this idea precisely: the fear is tied to one defined trigger, the response is not reasonable for the level of threat, and it is more intense than necessary. The other descriptions point to broader, non-specific fear, or to fear without avoidance or impairment, which don’t match how specific phobia presents.