Do We Fear the Same Things Around the World? Exploring Cultural Expression of Fear

Fear is a universal emotion, but how it is expressed and what triggers it can vary widely between cultures. While some fears, like heights or the dark, seem to be hardwired into our biology, others are shaped by cultural values, traditions, and social norms. In different parts of the world, fear manifests in unique ways, influencing behavior, social interactions, and even mental health conditions.

Cultural Differences in Fear

A fascinating example of culturally specific fear is Taijin Kyofu-sho (TKS), a syndrome recognized in Japan and some other East Asian cultures. TKS is an intense fear of embarrassing, offending, or causing discomfort to others through one’s behavior, appearance, or even body odor. Unlike social anxiety in Western countries, which tends to focus on personal embarrassment, TKS is rooted in collectivist cultural values—the idea that the group’s harmony is more important than individual concerns.

This contrast highlights a key difference between collectivist and individualistic cultures when it comes to fear. In collectivist cultures, which emphasize the well-being of the group over personal desires, fears often revolve around social harmony and judgment. People may be more afraid of disappointing their family, failing to meet group expectations, or disrupting social balance. In contrast, individualistic cultures, like those in many Western countries, place more emphasis on personal achievement and independence. Fears in these cultures might be more focused on personal failure, losing autonomy, or not living up to one’s own standards.

Are Some Fears Universal?

While cultural upbringing shapes many fears, some seem to be universal. A study comparing fears between students in China and England found a high correlation in the ranking of fears across both groups [1]. The most feared things were social criticism and judgment, followed by blood, pain, and injury. This suggests that, while cultures may influence the way fear is expressed, some fundamental fears—especially those linked to survival—are shared across humanity.

However, the study also found differences in fear intensity. Chinese students reported lower fear scores for many items compared to English students. This could be due to cultural differences in emotional expression—in some cultures, openly expressing fear may be discouraged, leading people to downplay their feelings. Another possibility is socialization practices that encourage emotional regulation or resilience.

Fear in Myths and Folklore

Beyond psychology, fear is deeply woven into cultural myths, legends and folklore, often reflecting what a society sees as threats.

• In Japan, the legend of Teke Teke—a ghostly woman who lost her legs in an accident and drags herself along the ground—warns people about the dangers of carelessness near train tracks.

• In Latin America, the terrifying story of La Llorona, a weeping woman who drowned her children and wanders at night looking for them, reflects fears about morality, motherhood, and punishment.

• In Scandinavia, the myth of the Mare (where the word “nightmare” comes from) describes a supernatural creature that sits on people’s chests while they sleep, suffocating them—possibly an early explanation for sleep paralysis.

  
  

These cultural fears serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing societal values and warning against behaviors that could bring misfortune.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding how different cultures experience fear helps us appreciate the diverse ways people process emotions. It also has real-world implications, particularly in mental health treatment. A therapy approach that works in one culture may not be as effective in another if it doesn’t take cultural fears into account. For example, exposure therapy, which is widely used to treat phobias, needs to be adapted for different cultures based on expressions of fear and emotions. 

At oVRcome, we recognize that fear is a complex experience shaped by both biology and culture. Whether fears are universal or culturally specific, the key to overcoming them lies in understanding, compassion, and the right support. No matter where you’re from, facing your fears is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

References

[1] Higgins, L. T. (2004). Cultural effects on the expression of some fears by Chinese and British female students. The Journal of genetic psychology, 165(1), 37-50.