CLASS 12 ENGLISH

ENGLISH INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

FOR TERM 2 CLASS 12 (2023-24)

NAME OF THE STUDENT: SIRI MALLAVARAPU

(13) SHATAKSHI SINGH (06)
CLASS: 12 F
SCHOOL: DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL, HYDERABAD
SUBJECT TEACHER: MS. NAYALA ARORA
Statement of
Purpose
A study of unusual phobias

A phobia is an intense and irrational fear of a

particular object, situation or activity, which
poses little or no actual danger. When someone
has a phobia, they go to great lengths to avoid
the object of their fear, which can significantly
impact their daily lives and well-being. Phobias
can take various forms and can be triggered by
anything from animals, natural environments,
specific situations, or even abstract concepts.
They can be disruptive and distressing, leading
to anxiety, panic, and a loss of control. Phobia
is characterized by its extreme and often
debilitating nature, making it hard for an
individual to function normally in certain
situations. Treatment for phobias usually
involves therapy, counseling, and in some
cases, medication to manage symptoms and
alleviate distress. We selected the topic of
unusual phobias because it is interesting and
has the potential to shed light on lesser-known
psychological conditions.
PLAN PL

PLAN OF ACTION
During our first meet, it was decided that the
team members (Shatakshi and Siri) will
research various phobias and collect relevant
information. The information was then
discussed and the Shatakshi was tasked with
writing the statement of purpose, while Siri
created a set of questions to be asked for the
interview. Finally, just a few days before
submission, Shatakshi designed the project and
made it more creative and colorful while Siri
finished the conclusion. Both the team
members took the initiative and strategically
planned this project and interview.
TIMELINE OF THE
PLAN
14th September Deciding on a topic
for the project and
finalising it
18th September researching on the
topic

20th September Choosing a

methodology to
carry out the project

22nd September Discussing the SOP

23rd September SOP finalized and
action plan
discussed
17th October Taking surveys

20th October Writing our articles

3rd November Final read-through
and submission
ESSAY
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that can
cause significant disruption in people's lives
by triggering persistent and irrational fears.
These fears can take many forms, such as
being afraid of specific objects, situations or
abstract concepts, and can stem from deep-
seated psychological responses. However, it is
important to know that phobias can be
treated and managed through various
interventions. While the intense fear
associated with phobias often causes people
to avoid the perceived threat at all costs,
seeking help from a professional can be a
constructive step towards overcoming it. By
understanding the complexities of phobias,
individuals can learn effective techniques to
manage their fears and regain control over
their lives, leading to overall well-being and
improved quality of life.
1. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
is a term used to describe the fear of long
words. Ironically, the word itself is one of
the longest words in the English language,
compounding the fear of those affected by
it. Individuals with this phobia may
experience intense anxiety or discomfort
when confronted with long words, and they
might actively avoid situations where they
might encounter them. Managing this
phobia typically involves cognitive-
behavioral therapy and exposure
techniques, helping individuals gradually
confront and cope with their fear in a
controlled and supportive environment.
Treatment aims to alleviate the distress
associated with encountering lengthy words
and improve overall quality of life.
2. Nomophobia is the genuine fear of not
having access to a mobile phone or being
unable to use it for communication. In
today's digital age, this phobia has become
increasingly commonplace, affecting
individuals who rely heavily on their
smartphones for various aspects of their
lives. Symptoms of nomophobia include
anxiety, panic, and a sense of disconnection
when separated from their devices. This fear
can significantly impact one's ability to
function in social settings or daily activities.
Treatment usually involves cognitive-
behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques,
and gradually reducing dependence on
smartphones, enabling individuals to
confidently manage their nomophobia and
establish healthier relationships with
technology.
3. Arachibutyrophobia is the specific fear of
peanut butter sticking to the roof of the
mouth. Individuals with this phobia
experience heightened anxiety or discomfort
when faced with the prospect of consuming
peanut butter or any sticky substance that
might adhere to their palate. This fear can
lead to avoidance behaviors or refusal to eat
certain foods, impacting their dietary
choices and overall well-being. Treatment
for arachibutyrophobia often involves
cognitive-behavioral therapy, desensitization
techniques, and gradual exposure to peanut
butter or similar sticky foods to help
individuals confront and manage their fear,
enabling them to have a more relaxed
relationship with food and eating.
4. Barophobia is an irrational fear of gravity
or falling. Individuals who suffer from this
phobia experience intense anxiety or
dread when they perceive the possibility of
gravitational force failing, leading to a
sense of instability or danger. People with
barophobia may avoid activities that
involve heights or even be reluctant to
leave secure or grounded environments.
Treatment for barophobia typically uses
exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral
techniques, and relaxation strategies to
help individuals confront and manage
their fear of falling. With proper
treatment, individuals can engage in
activities that involve heights or gravity
with increased confidence and reduced
anxiety.
5. Leukophobia is the irrational fear of the
color white. Individuals with this phobia
experience heightened anxiety or
discomfort when exposed to the color
white or any objects, surfaces, or
environments predominantly featuring
this hue. This fear can lead to avoidance
behaviors, such as refraining from
wearing or being surrounded by white-
colored items.
Leukophobia can significantly impact one's
daily life, influencing their choices in clothing,
home décor, and overall surroundings.
Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral
therapy, exposure techniques, and art therapy
to help individuals confront and manage their
fear, fostering a more balanced and accepting
perspective on the color white and its
presence in their environment.
Interview
Both team members have conducted an
interview with their neighbor Shreya Raju, an
18-year-old girl suffering from scolionophobia.

Siri: Good evening, Shreya. We are extremely

glad you agreed to be a part of the interview.

Shreya: The pleasure is all mine.

Shatakshi: Let’s get started! So, Shreya, you

have informed us about your unusual phobia-
scolionophobia. Could you tell us how it
affects your daily life?

Shreya: Sure. Scolionophobia means that you

are afraid of School and this makes it
incredibly difficult for me to be in a school
environment. Even the mere thought of
attending classes triggers intense anxiety and
panic. I often find myself avoiding school
altogether, which has affected my academic
performance and social interactions.

Siri: What are some of the specific challenges

you face due to scolionophobia?
Shreya: One of the biggest challenges is the
constant fear of being judged or criticized in
the classroom setting. It's hard for me to
participate in discussions or group activities,
and I constantly worry about making
mistakes or being the center of attention.

Siri: How do you cope with your fears on a

day-to-day basis?

Shreya: I try to utilize coping strategies such

as deep breathing exercises and positive self-
talk. Additionally, seeking support from
understanding friends and family has been
crucial in helping me manage my fears and
navigate through the educational system.

Shatakshi: When have you first developed this

fear?

Shreya: I first started having severe anxiety

even thinking about attending school since
the third grade. I moved to Hyderbabad for
the first time and since the first day of school
didn’t go so well, I never wanted to go to
school at all.
Siri: Interesting. Have you sought any professional
help or treatment for your scolionophobia?

Shreya: Yes, I have been undergoing cognitive-

behavioral therapy, which has helped me gradually
confront my fear of school. My therapist has been
incredibly supportive and has provided me with
techniques to challenge negative thought patterns
and build my confidence in academic settings.

Siri: That is great Shreya! Again, we are truly

grateful for you to take part in this interview and
share your story with us. Thank you.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the realm of unusual phobias
highlights the intricate and often unexpected ways
in which fear can manifest within the human
psyche. These lesser-known phobias, ranging from
the fear of specific objects or situations to the
aversion to colors or everyday experiences, can
significantly impact individuals' lives, influencing
their choices, behaviors, and overall well-being.
Understanding and acknowledging the existence of
these uncommon fears is crucial in fostering
empathy, compassion, and support for those
grappling with these challenges. Through increased
awareness, education, and access to appropriate
treatments, individuals can find effective ways to
confront and manage their fears, ultimately leading
to improved quality of life and a greater sense of
empowerment in navigating the complexities of
the human experience.
As we saw in the case of Shreya, she sought
professional help which has clearly enhanced her
performance and school and she is slowly getting
rid of her fear of School.
BIBLIOGRAPGHY
As we saw in the case of Shreya, She sought professional help which has clearly enhanced
her performance and school and she is slowly getting rid of her f

https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-
phobias-2795453

https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-
health/g20158616/weird-phobias/

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-
health/phobias/weird-phobias/

https://www.healthline.com/health/list-of-
phobias

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-
rarest-phobias-5649656

https://www.louislaves-
webb.com/blog/uncommon-phobias-a-
guide-to-extraordinary-fears
Index
 Statement of Purpose
 Plan of Action
 Timeline of Plan
 Essay
 Interview
 Conclusion
 Bibliography
Student reflection
Embarking on the project about phobias has
been an eye-opening journey. Researching
and understanding the intricacies of fears has
not only expanded my knowledge but also
sparked empathy for those grappling with
phobias. It revealed the profound impact
these anxieties can have on daily life and
mental health. As I saw in the case of Shreya,
it was truly inspiring to see how she overcame
such a phobia that affected her daily routine
and her academics. The project encouraged
introspection, prompting me to consider the
universal aspects of fear and its subjective
nature. This project challenged me to think
critically, approach sensitive topics with
sensitivity, and appreciate the complexity of
mental health. Overall, it was a
transformative experience that deepened my
appreciation for the intersection of psychology
and empathy.