Seligman’s Preparedness Theory

Seligman’s preparedness theory explains how phobias are disproportionate fear reactions to harmless stimuli or stimuli that aren’t entirely harmless and controllable. There are countless theories on how phobias are acquired and maintained, and all of them are partly correct. What’s the explanation for some phobias being more frequent than others, though? Preparedness theory explains that people are born ready to fear certain kinds of stimuli more than others. Its two central concepts are preparedness and predisposition for the acquisition of phobias. Today’s article will explore them in more detail. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” -Mary Schmich- Preparedness…