Phobias
are characterized by a strong and irrational fear of an object or situation.
Phobias differ from fear because they are irrational fears and from anxiety
since there is an object or situation that causes the phobia. People with
phobias recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable but are
generally unable to control it. In addition to specific phobias, such as fear of
knives, rats or spiders, there is another type of phobia, known as social
phobia that manifests itself as an intense fear of being negatively evaluated
by others. When this fear becomes pervasive it is impossible to live a normal
life.
The Vital Needs Theory - page 38