Can you inherit certain fears from your parents?

Question

I know that we can get many fears by a traumatic experience of some sort. However, there are some fears that I have, like the fear of heights, which I have never really had a reason for. I just wanted to know if genetics could also create an irrational fear in a person.
I'm not really looking for personal stories.
I'm looking for some sort of proof, such as a study, that proves it either way. The study doesn't have to be decisive. I was just curious if this had been thought about before.

And yes, I have seen the other questions that relate to this. The answers just did not satisfy me.

Alright, argue away.

chevyloo487 · Accepted Answer

I don't agree but there is a certain psychology called the evolutionary psychology that say that yes we inherit our ancestors fears because their fears helped them survive and they will help us to survive. There are some documents of studies on this website, its the center for evolutionary psychology. http://www.psych.ucsb.edu/research/cep/

April · Answer

Yes humans seem to have a genetic fear of spider, snakes, heights ect. The theory is that over time humans started to develop a fear of things as a means of survival. There are some people not afraid but in some instances no incident in childhood explains the fear it is simply genetic.

razinle · Answer

Technically no, but, from seeing what your parrents or people around you are afraid of you will be afraid of then to. Ex. your dad is afraid of a snake. You go to the zoo and he screames when some guy walks up and say "do you want to pet this snake" then you see the expression on your dads face and get scared of it. Ussualy thats what happen

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Can you inherit certain fears from your parents?

3 Answers