New Study Sheds Light on Trypophobia: The Fear of Clusters of Holes
A recent study conducted by Nate Pipitone, an associate professor of psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University, has provided new insights into the fear of clusters of holes, known as trypophobia. Pipitone and his team have been studying this phenomenon for several years and have found that around 10 to 15 percent of people experience discomfort and negative reactions when encountering images of tiny, clustered holes.
The study revealed that trypophobia can cause feelings of repulsion, disgust, itching, and nausea. It affects both adults and children, with some individuals experiencing these reactions as early as 4 or 5 years old. Researchers have identified two main evolutionary theories behind the aversion to these types of images.
First, the study found that some venomous creatures, such as tarantulas with eight eyes, exhibit trypophobic patterns. Additionally, skin diseases like smallpox create clusters of circular lesions, further supporting the theory that trypophobia may be an adaptive response to avoid infectious diseases.
The research also suggests that the high contrast and circular pattern of the holes play a significant role in triggering trypophobia. Images with dark holes on a light background tend to evoke stronger reactions compared to images with less contrast. Furthermore, superimposing these holes on images of dangerous animals or human skin intensifies the discomfort.
Despite ongoing research, Pipitone is skeptical about the effectiveness of psychological interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy for trypophobia. The best solution, according to him, is to simply avoid these images whenever possible. In fact, some students in Pipitone’s lab have opted out of trypophobia projects due to their own reactions.
While trypophobia is often associated with disgust rather than fear, it does not fit neatly into any psychiatric diagnosis. To be diagnosed with a phobia, fear or anxiety around a certain trigger must be strong enough to cause significant distress or functional impairment. Pipitone emphasizes that most people with trypophobia can still go about their daily routines despite finding these images repulsive.
The implications of this study extend to various fields. Researchers are now working to better understand specific configurations of clusters, texture, and color to positively inform the design of clothing and buildings. On the other hand, some filmmakers intentionally incorporate trypophobic patterns to elicit a disturbing effect, as seen in characters like Jason Voorhees from “Friday the 13th” and Killmonger from “Black Panther.”
Overall, trypophobia highlights how individuals perceive and process the world differently. It serves as a reminder that certain stimuli can have drastically different effects on people, and understanding these differences can lead to better empathy and accommodation in various contexts.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding conditions like trypophobia. She highlights the frustration that individuals with conditions like migraines or long covid face when their triggers are not perceived or taken seriously.
As research on trypophobia continues, it is hoped that a deeper understanding of this condition will lead to improved interventions and support for affected individuals. In the meantime, awareness and empathy can go a long way in creating a more inclusive and understanding society.