Being afraid of ghosts or suffering from phasmophobia is not only a matter of young children and is quite difficult to diagnose. Most people can experience some anxiety when telling ghost stories or watching horror movies with this central theme. However, most people can control this fear and even enjoy the feelings it creates. 

For some people, however, this fear is overwhelming and limiting, thus meeting the traditional definition of a phobia.  Some experts believe that a ghost phobia may be a symptom of a more serious mental disorder, as it may constitute a magical thinking form.

Thanatophobia

Thanatophobia or fear of death, is quite common in any culture or religion. This fear itself can be related to other fears such as fear of the unknown. Some people fear the act of dying, while others worry about what may happen beyond the moment of death.

Phasmophobia is often related to thanatophobia . If you fear death, you may also fear the signs and symbols that are related to it, such as cemetery headstones or funeral homes. The fear of ghosts could be seen in the same way.

Magical thinking

Magical thinking is normal in children but can result in a disorder when it comes to adults. It is when there are irrational beliefs. There is some link between magical thinking and psychosis, schizotypal personality disorder, and other serious mental health conditions.

Since the existence of the paranormal has not been scientifically proven, some experts believe that a belief in its existence may constitute magical thinking. Under this theory, fasmophobia could be seen as an extreme form of such thinking, possibly indicative of a more serious condition than a simple phobia.

Religious beliefs

The corollary of magical thinking is the existence of religious beliefs. By definition, most religious teachings must be taken on faith. From Jesus to Buddha to the mystical shaman, virtually all major religions depend on the belief in the existence of one or more spiritual leaders who are given or given the power to do things that are impossible according to the laws of the world. physical.

Additionally, many major religions accept the existence of the supernatural, whether in the form of spirits, demons, angels, or other entities. Many religions teach that most of these beings are evil, capable of tempting or harming humans. Similarly, angels and other beings are often viewed as benevolent and helpful. Therefore, it would be simplistic and unfair to assume that someone has messed up thinking based solely on belief or fear of the supernatural.

Parapsychology

Parapsychology is a branch of science that attempts to document and study the events of paranormal activity.  Its status as a legitimate science has long been debated within the scientific community. Some of the results that have been obtained cannot be fully explained through current scientific principles, although many argue that this is due to a failure to use the established scientific method.

Professionals will never judge a patient’s beliefs regardless of their origin. A client who has a fear of ghosts based on parapsychological investigations will not normally be suspected of a magical thought. Parapsychology should not be confused with transpersonal psychology, which focuses on the spiritual aspects of human life.

Is there treatment?

Since the existence of the supernatural cannot be proven, phasmophobia can be somewhat difficult to treat with conventional methods. Cognitive talk therapy can be helpful. In this type of therapy, the goal is to help understand the root of fear and learn to change the thoughts and beliefs that cause fear. However, care must be taken to avoid trying to change religious or scientific beliefs.

Teaching coping skills can also be helpful in this situation. Breathing exercises, guided imagery, and even biofeedback are methods you can learn to use to control your own fear .