What is Gelotophobia?
Fear is a basic or primary emotion. Emotions such as fear are psychological responses that prepare you physically to fight or run away. Most of us, at some time, will experience fear but the perceived threat soon leaves and therefore does not interfere with or prevent how we go about our daily lives. When it does, these fears are called phobias.
Gelotophobia is the fear of being laughed at. It is also a fear of appearing ridiculous to others, who may then laugh at you.
Do I have Gelotophobia?
- Do you avoid social situations to avoid being laughed at or ridiculed?
- Do you worry that people think you do not engage with them in a warm friendly way or think you are humourless?
- Do you find it hard to know what to say to people in a natural way? Such as, thinking of something to say but the moment has passed before you actually say it, which then makes you look ridiculous?
- Do you have low self-esteem due to you feeling incompetent in social situations?
- When people are talking and laughing, can you feel your body getting tense? Which then makes your movements appear wooden and stiff rather than being relaxed and natural?
- Do you think you are you a not a lively person, who is not spontaneous and does not experience many joyful moments in your daily life?
- Do you worry that you look ridiculous to others?
- Do you think about certain social event you have encountered and worry how you appeared to other people?