Physical versus Social Fear: A Fundamental Dichotomy

Abstract

In this review we scrutinize the differences between two aspects of fear: physical fear and social fear. Based on the cognitive and behavioural differences in panic disorder and social phobia we try to correlate cerebral structures implicated in both kinds of fear. We study the neocortical control mechanisms over physical fear that render social fear more channelled. We also try to understand the dynamics and evolutionary origins of each, knowing that physical fear is more immediate while social fear has more social and evolved characteristics.

Fear Deciding Fate: How Fear Influences Moral Decision-Making

“…However, this danger can be both emotional and physical. Indeed, in a review of the literature on fear, Longin, Chammat, Chapouthier, and Jouvent (2010) argued that there is a clear divide between emotional fear and physical fear.…”

“…FEAR DECIDING FATE: HOW FEAR INFLUENCES MORAL DECISION-MAKING 10 Physical fear is comprised of situations people would normally regard as "scary." The defining characteristic necessary to be labelled as a physical fear is that the situation must have potential to cause bodily harm (Longin et al, 2010). Physical fears are more common in childhood; however, many adults still suffer from varying degrees of physical fears as a result of childhood fear carry-over, media exposure to fear-inducing scenarios, or personal experience.…”

“…Emotional fear describes situations where there is no or minor probability for physical harm, but which causes a large amount of emotional distress or trauma (Longin et al, 2010).…”

“…In section one, we aimed to reaffirm Longin et al (2010) review that emotional and physical fear are two separate and distinct dimensions (primary hypothesis one). Due to the changing nature of emotional fear and the stable nature of physical fear, it is hard to decipher which type of fear is more dominant.…”

Fear Deciding Fate: How Fear Influences Moral Decision-Making

“…However, this danger can be both emotional and physical. Indeed, in a review of the literature on fear, Longin, Chammat, Chapouthier, and Jouvent (2010) argued that there is a clear divide between emotional fear and physical fear.…”