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Psychology
The Truth About Trypophobia — it’s Not Stupid, it’s Real
Why do cluster of holes really freak some people out?
Ever since I can remember, I have been thoroughly unnerved by clusters of holes or spots. Not run-out-of-the-room-screaming level unnerved but incredibly uncomfortable. I had to look away until it was gone or I could leave.
As a child, I didn’t have the words to describe it. I felt stupid. All I could say was “it looks like a disease”. I didn’t realise at the time how much sense that actually made.
Giving a name to my fears
It was only a few years ago that I learnt my fears had a name — trypophobia. It’s defined as:
“An aversion or repulsion to objects that have repetitive patterns or clusters of holes or bumps.” — Cleaveland Clinic
We’re not scared of just one ot two holes or bumps independently, although they can squick me out depending on the circumstances. It’s when they’re in a group. A cluster. Even that word freaks me out. Ew, ew ew.
While there hasn’t been a great deal of research carried out into trypophobia, there are some theories as to what’s behind it. The results of some studies have led researchers to conclude that these patterns can…
