Men – Fear of Marriage

Phobias are the most common psychological problem in western countries.  The irrational fear of marriage, which is termed as Gamophobia, is one of those phobias common to them.  The term is derived from Greek term “Gamein” and “Gamete” which means “to marry” and “wife” respectively.  A person with Gamophobia either fears the responsibilities accompanied by marriage or fears the idea of living with another person.  Men are more likely to develop this phobia because the perceived danger accompanied by marriage is more than financial, legal, social, and personal.  Men found it more difficult to give up these things after marriage.  It usually manifest beyond the age of 25.  The fear of marriage, like other phobias, may be caused by an intense negative experience from the person’s past.  This phobia may also be the result of one’s observation of the result of other’s marriage.  People with Gamophobia perceive danger accompanied by marriage.  This perceived danger is confirmed by their investigation and therefore made their wrong perception even stronger.  But their immediate experience of damaged marriage has a lot to do with the strength of their fear.  This fear grows stronger as they age.  Symptoms of Gamophobia may vary with the person’s age.  A panic attack or an extreme anxiety may be manifested by an adult when talking about marriage.  Even the thought of marrying gives them the same symptoms.  Common symptoms of Gamophobia include excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth and palpitations.