Trypophobia is an aversion to clustered holes or bumps, often driven by disgust and evolutionary disease-avoidance instincts, but it is not officially recognized as a clinical phobia. Reactions include discomfort, physical sensations, and avoidance, triggered by visual patterns resembling parasites or diseased skin. While many experience symptoms similar to phobias, it generally lacks the impairment required for diagnosis. Treatments like therapy and relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms.
New research in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology indicates that trypophobia, the fear of clusters of small holes, is a genuine psychological condition affecting about 1 in 10 people, not just a social media phenomenon. The study found that younger people and women, who are more active on social media, show higher sensitivity to trypophobic stimuli, suggesting social media may heighten awareness but is not the sole cause. The condition may also be linked to an evolved sensitivity to noxious animals or skin pathologies.
Trypophobia is the fear of clusters of small holes, which can be severely debilitating for some individuals. Psychologists believe it may have evolutionary origins, as clusters of holes in nature often indicate danger. Less than 2% of people are estimated to have trypophobia. Exposure therapy, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, is a recommended treatment option for those struggling with trypophobia. It aims to gradually acclimate individuals to their fear and show them that it is harmless. It is important to remember that there is help available for those with trypophobia or any other phobia.
This week in Well+Being, learn fall cleaning tips for a thorough home scrub-down, discover five ways to peel garlic, understand the phenomenon of trypophobia and its negative reactions to tiny holes, find joy in various activities such as enjoying the super blue moon, meeting the world's oldest chicken, going on a pizza quest, making an end-of-summer cocktail, and exploring favorite tech gadgets, and don't forget to follow Well+Being on TikTok.
Trypophobia is a negative reaction to tiny, clustered holes, affecting around 10 to 15 percent of people. It can cause feelings of repulsion, disgust, itching, and nausea. Researchers have proposed evolutionary theories, suggesting that the aversion may be an adaptive response to avoid infectious diseases. The visual properties of high contrast and circular patterns seem to be key triggers. While trypophobia doesn't fit neatly into a psychiatric diagnosis, it has implications for design and media. Understanding how individuals perceive and process the world differently is important, as it can shed light on medical conditions that may not be outwardly apparent.
