Evidence for the Aetiological Theories: Cognitive Theories
Some people are inclined to misattribute normal sensations as being threatening - they may then
(a) catastrophise the experience (expect the very worst outcome) resulting in panic, or
(b) they may make a mental link between their uncomfortable sensation and the circumstances they are in at the time resulting in specific phobias or
(c) they may generalise their response to other situations where they previously weren't afraid.