© Shutterstock

What is gamophobia? -

A fear of commitment is the hallmark trait of someone with gamophobia. It's such an intense fear that long-term relationships can, often, be considered impossible.

© Shutterstock

Gamos meaning -

“Gamos” is the Greek word for marriage. “Phobos” (phobia) means fear.

© Shutterstock

Gamophobia vs. general commitment issues -

Some people who have trouble committing to long-term plans, such as selecting a study path or making a career choice, might think they have gamophobia. However, gamophobia is specifically tied to personal relationships.

© Shutterstock

Common symptoms -

If you have gamophobia, you may be unable to form lasting relationships. Additionally, you might have a lot of anxiety when in a relationship and perhaps experience constant stress about it ending.

© Shutterstock

The anxiety behind gamophobia -

Phobias are a common type of anxiety disorder that can cause you to experience extreme thoughts or fears about things that, in reality, aren't true or harmful.

© Shutterstock

Phobias and anxiety disorders -

Gamophobia is a specific phobic disorder, which means you’re afraid of a certain situation: marriage or commitment.

© Shutterstock

Why commitment triggers fear -

It's challenging to know how many people have a certain phobia because some or most might keep this fear to themselves out of a fear of judgment.

© Shutterstock

How common is gamophobia? -

About one in 10 American adults and one in five teenagers will deal with a specific phobia disorder at some point in their lives.

© Shutterstock

Phobias in the US -

One example is people who have borderline personality disorder (BPD), who might avoid commitment due to a fear of being abandoned or rejected. 

© Shutterstock

Family influence on commitment fears -

If you grew up with a parent or loved one who had a phobia or anxiety disorder, it may have led you to develop the same or similar fears.

© Shutterstock

Gender differences -

Studies show that females tend to have specific phobias more than males.

© Shutterstock

The role of genetics -

Early research suggests that certain people have a gene mutation that increases the risk of developing anxiety and phobic disorders.

© Shutterstock

Related fears -

Many people have multiple phobias. Usually, they are all related. For example, if you have a fear of commitment you may also have Philophobia, a fear of love, or Pistanthrophobia, which is a fear of trusting others or being hurt by someone you love.

© Shutterstock

Gamophobia as a defense mechanism -

Traumatic experiences can be the root cause of your gamophobia or fear of commitment. Gamophobia is considered a protective response.

© Shutterstock

Parental divorce & its impact -

Children who see their parents experience divorce, or who grow up in the context of negative relationships, may grow up fearful of making a commitment that leads to the same conflicts.

© Shutterstock

Past heartbreaks & commitment fears -

Throughout their lives, adults are likely to experience heartbreak from either a breakup, divorce, infidelity or otherwise, and it can cause them to shy away from loving again.

© Shutterstock

Fear of missing out (FOMO) -

Some may worry about committing to the wrong person and not being available when the right partner comes along.

© Shutterstock

Cultural & religious pressures -

In different cultures, marriages can sometimes be arranged. In these contexts, people may be hesitant to fully commit to a relationship, as they may feel like they lack agency.

© Shutterstock

Diagnosing gamophobia -

While there isn't a specific test to evaluate gamophobia, your doctor or medical provider will ask about symptoms, mental health history, and whether you have other phobias.

© Shutterstock

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for gamophobia -

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps many people overcome their phobias.

© Shutterstock

Systemic desensitization therapy -

There is also systemic desensitization therapy which can help expose you to the thing that scares you and hopefully aid in overcoming it.

© Shutterstock

Therapy techniques -

You can use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and more to help calm your symptoms.

© Shutterstock

Complications of gamophobia -

Gamophobia can actually lead to depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and even substance abuse disorders. 

© Shutterstock

When to seek help -

You should seek a medical professional's opinion if your anxiety becomes persistent or interferes with daily life or sleeping.

© Shutterstock

Questions to ask your doctor -

When you speak to your doctor or medical professional, you could iinquire about the phobia itself, therapy options, as well as other signs or complications one should be aware of. 

© Shutterstock

Cold feet vs. gamophobia -

Many people have doubts, something known as 'cold feet,' when entering into a committed relationship. But for people with gamophobia, the fear can be paralyzing. It can keep you from moving forward in a relationship or establishing intimate bonds with others.

© Shutterstock

Overcoming gamophobia -

Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of gamophobia can help individuals develop healthier attitudes toward commitment.

© Shutterstock

Finding balance -

It’s important to distinguish between reasonable concerns and an overwhelming fear of commitment. Learning to balance expectations can lead to healthier relationships.

Sources: (Cleveland Health Clinic)

See also: Rare phobias you've probably never heard of

© Shutterstock