

Gerascophobia is an abnormal or incessant fear of growing older or ageing ( senescence). People excessively involved in fantasy bonds tend to be overly dependent on others, progressively maladaptive and fail to function successfully as adults.( Learn how and when to remove this template message) The extent to which people come to rely on fantasies of fusion while reliving the past is proportional to the degree of psychological pain they experienced in childhood. They project negative aspects of the attachment with their parents onto current situations often recreating their early trauma in the present day. Because of this propensity to cling to unreasonable dependency ties, people tend to remain fixated at a child’s level of functioning. Later, these same fantasy connections are transferred to new relationships, groups, and causes. Early in life, children form this illusion to compensate for personal trauma-to reduce feelings of emotional hunger and frustration brought about by deprivation, rejection, separation, and loss. The Fantasy Bond: The core defense is the fantasy bond, originally an imagined connection with one’s parents, that offers a modicum of safety and security. The more we value life, the more we have to lose in death.ĭefenses that reduce death anxiety but act as a barrier to personal growth and maturity. Paradoxically, as men and women give special value to their lives, experience unusual successes, and find new and unique gratifications, they tend to suffer more death anxiety. As people sense time passing, are confronted with sickness, frustrations in life, and reminders of death, they fear their mortality.

Death fears are triggered by both negative and positive events. This makes them more cognizant of the fact that their own unresolved dependency needs from childhood will remain unfulfilled. In general, adults carry a heavier dependency load, as they are looked to for direction, support and actual parenting.


This occurs as we mature, form a new and different identity, choose our own path in life, and establish new relationships. Symbolic separation from parents and other individuals who have offered some sense of security.There are five major aspects to the fear of growing up: The principal barriers to living an adult existence are the fears associated with becoming an adult.
