The goal of a research proposal is to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. In my research proposal, I identified the need to create further research on the case study Trypophobia and the reasons for aversion and disgust in humans.

Research proposal

Research Topic: Why do Trypophobia cause aversion and disgust in humans?

Introduction:

Researchers have conducted various experiments and proposed hypothesis about the actual cause of Trypophobia. A study published in April 2017, concluded that this matter is not because of nonconscious fear of certain dangerous creatures but triggered by the appearance of the animals. Another research study from 2017 has linked Trypophobia to major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). According to that study, people with Trypophobia were more liable to experience significant depressive order.

A recent study from the University of Kent stated that the cause of the reaction is because disgust helps us avoid infectious diseases and pathogens, so the type of response is a disease avoidance response. Further research is required to understand the full scope of Trypophobia and the origins of the condition. The proposed alternative hypothesis is that massive oxygenation of the brain or overworking the brain causes an increase in the trypophobic response.

What is Trypophobia?

Trypophobia is one of the most talked of about phobias but not globally recognized as one. A student of SUNY-Albany invented the term” Trypophobia” and created a page on Facebook for self-diagnosed incidences and anecdotal. Trypophobia meaning fear of holes or clusters of holes is coined from two Greek terms “Trypa” to bore holes and “phobia” sense of fear. Some examples of trypophobic stimulants are the lotus seed pod or the honeycombs. Trypophobia is referred to by people who suffer from it, through communications such as social networks and personal blogs. The American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual,” (DSM-5) has not certified this matter as an actual phobia. Some researchers have found evidence that it exists in some form and has real symptoms that can affect a person’s everyday life if they are exposed to triggers.

Methods:

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate this issue as it has become a household name. Some researchers posted articles and scientific studies arguing on its importance and general understanding.

Sources:

Assessment of Trypophobia and an analysis of its observed precipitation, T. D. Le, Geoff G. Cole, and Arnold J. Wilkins Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Colchester, UK (ResearchGate).

The article supplies various experiments that tackle the case of Trypophobia and some scientific deductions on the reasons for the response from the phobia.

Scientists Think They Know What Causes Trypophobia, Mental Floss (Michele Debczak)

This article by Michele gives a robust and succinct explanation for the causes and review of various experiments conducted by researchers to confirm their hypothesis. This articles cues from various scientific research studies.

Everything You Should Know About Trypophobia (Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph.D., CRNP on July 20, 2017— Written by Annamarya Scaccia.

This article presents background information and basic knowledge about the research topic. It lists the triggers, symptoms, and treatments. This articles also lack thereon a concrete understanding of the research topic.

Juan Carlos Martínez-Aguayo, Renzo C. Lanfranco, Marcelo Arancibia, Elisa Sepúlveda, and Eva Madrid, Trypophobia: What Do We Know So Far? A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature Published online 2018 Feb 9.

This article describes various scenarios on this research topic and provides some information on the research studies conducted by the researchers; However, it requires more research because it does not present a firm conclusion.

Outcomes:

The analysis of Trypophobia is essential especially in this time of technology, where persons can come across various images and scenarios because of its popularity. It would be beneficial to the world if we can sufficiently understand the reasons for such responses and help control unfavorable effects on trypophobic patients who suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders. The sources presented will serve the proposal to extend on previous researches.

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