Biophobia. What to Do When the Fear of Nature Paralyses Us?

Biophilia and biophobia – what are the differences?

Biophilia is an innate human interest in nature and the need for contact with it that stems from our affiliation with the natural world. The concept was described by psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm in 1964, who emphasised that proximity to nature has a positive effect on human functioning and their general well-being. In 1984, American biologist Edward O. Wilson elaborated on this theory, suggesting that humans are genetically and evolutionarily attracted to certain types of landscapes and natural elements, which influences their propensity to be around other living organisms. This is because unity with nature plays an important role in human cognitive, social and emotional processes.

Biophobia, on the other hand, is a fear of nature, ranging from specific animal species, such as snakes or spiders, to a general dislike of nature. This attitude can lead to rejecting nature in favour of technology and the products of human civilisation. American environmentalist David W. Orr believes that biophobia is a culturally acquired trait – a consequence of modern lifestyles that distance us from nature, making us indifferent to the fate of other living creatures and hostile to the natural world.

What are the causes of biophobia?

There are many potential causes of biophobia, related to evolutionary, environmental and psychological factors. Evolutionary psychology suggests that biophobia may stem from an instinctive aversion to potentially dangerous elements in the environment. Primitive man avoided dangers such as venomous animals, poisonous plants or unfamiliar terrain, which increased his chances of survival.

Fear of nature may therefore be a remnant of this adaptive behaviour, developed to protect individuals from harm in unfamiliar environments. Research by Öhman and Mineka in 2001 indicates that fear of animals, such as snakes and spiders, is part of an evolutionary defence mechanism that is still present today. 

Other causes of biophobia can include traumatic experiences with nature, such as a serious insect bite, getting lost in unfamiliar terrain or being faced with extreme weather conditions. The theory of conditioning in psychology explains that unpleasant events can trigger a lasting association between a stimulus and anxiety or discomfort.

Strategies for treating biophobia

Psychological research proposes a number of strategies to deal with anxiety, including biophobia. It focuses on gradually familiarising the phobic person with nature, as well as changing perceptions of nature and controlling reactions resulting from anxiety and stress. An effective form of help is cognitive-behavioural therapy, whose effects – associated with reducing excessive anxiety – are scientifically proven.

Gradual exposure therapy

In treating phobias, including biophobia, psychotherapists usually use the exposure method, which involves gradually familiarising the patient with the object of fear. In the case of biophobia, the process can begin by looking at elements of nature in photos or videos, which helps build a sense of security.

Over time, the intensity of the stimulus can be increased by introducing contact with real, low-stress environments, such as the yard around the house or a nearby park. Studies show that gradual exposure to natural elements reduces anxiety and fear, builds tolerance to stimuli and creates positive associations with nature, which helps reduce anxiety.

Habituation – the power of habit

A key element of psychotherapy is to induce habituation, or a reduction in sensitivity to repeated stimuli. People with phobias often avoid what they fear, which only perpetuates the fear. Gradually confronting an object of fear, such as the sight of a spider, allows reactions to weaken over time and reduce in intensity. An example strategy for psychotherapy based on such an activity might look like this:

1. Visualisation and media exposure

For a person suffering from biophobia, the mere sight of natural elements, such as insects or dense forests, can cause intense fear. Therefore, the therapeutic process should begin with minimal exposure – visualising or watching photos and videos of natural landscapes, such as soothing photos of beaches, forests or meadows.

2. Controlled exposure to nature indoors

Once the phobic person is comfortable with the images, the next step may be to introduce small, non-threatening elements of nature indoors, such as potted plants, pebbles or seashells. This phase helps create positive associations with natural elements in familiar surroundings, building confidence in a low-risk environment.

3.  Low-intensity outdoor experiences

After becoming accustomed to the elements of nature indoors, the next stage of therapy involves short, controlled experiences outdoors, in places with low-intensity stimuli – such as a quiet garden, a park, or even a balcony with a few plants. The goal of this stage is to create a comfort zone in a natural setting without overwhelming the phobic person.

4. Gradual exposure to more complex natural landscapes

The next stage may involve a gradual increase in the complexity and diversity of natural environments – this could include a short walk on a paved forest trail or a visit to a park with open spaces and wildlife. The phobic person may set their own goals, such as watching animals from afar or walking among trees.

5. Constant interaction with diverse natural environments

Then you can move on to longer experiences, such as hiking in the woods or spending time near natural bodies of water. At this stage, anxiety reactions should already be low enough that it becomes possible to enjoy the presence of nature. The process should be gradual, allowing the person to spend as much time as needed at each stage until they feel comfortable.

Gradual exposure therapy is usually effective because it builds a sense of control over fears while creating positive associations with previously stressful stimuli. Each small success supports the next steps in overcoming biophobia in a controlled and motivating way.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, can also be a helpful strategy for dealing with phobias, including biophobia. Research suggests that practicing mindfulness reduces feelings of anxiety and improves the ability to remain calm.

Techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation also support those affected by phobias. A study by Jon Kabat-Zinn et al. found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is effective in reducing anxiety reactions, which can help manage the physiological stress reactions associated with biophobia.

Negative consequences of biophobia

Modern environmental conditions – especially in highly urbanised areas – mean that many people grow up in limited contact with nature, which can lead to feelings of alienation and fear of nature. The lack of natural exposure to the environment can contribute to feelings of discomfort, as urban environments often rely on artificial landscapes and technologies.

Research conducted by Roger S. Ulrich, among others, showed that people accustomed to urban environments may experience increased anxiety when interacting with nature, which in turn may result in the development of biophobia. Limited interactions with nature make it difficult to form positive associations with it, promoting the intensification of anxiety.

Those affected by biophobia may also tend to limit outdoor activities such as socialising, hiking or travelling, which can lead to isolation, reduced social interaction and lower quality of life. As David W. Orr notes, people who avoid nature miss the opportunity to experience biophilia – the natural need for contact with nature and the satisfaction and joy that come from this relationship.

Biophobia can cause a number of negative effects on mental and physical health: more stress, lowered mood and difficulty relaxing. Meanwhile, contact with nature has a therapeutic effect – reducing stress levels and improving mood. This means that without these benefits, people with biophobia struggle with a significantly reduced quality of life.

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