What type of fear is known as allodoxaphobia?

Allodoxaphobia is the fear of hearing other people’s opinions. It comes from Ancient Greek ἄλλος (állos, “other”), δόξα (dóxa, “opinion”) and -φοβία (-phobía, from the Greek God of Fear).

People with allodoxaphobia live in constant fear and anxiety of hearing people’s opinions about them. They often realize that their phobia is unfounded and irrational, yet, they are unable to overcome it. As a result, they place many restrictions upon themselves.

This phobia might strike at any age: not only adults, even young kids can be afraid of being on the receiving end of people’s opinions. As the fear becomes deeply imbibed in their consciousness, they tend to stop answering questions or participating in any activities as they are afraid of people’s judgment.

Allodoxaphobia falls under the category of rare and unusual social phobias. This phobia can isolate the sufferer greatly and can especially hamper one’s professional life.The trigger for this phobia is usually the same as the triggers of other social phobias: negative or traumatic episodes in the past. Caregivers, teachers or parents are often responsible for triggering the phobia in a growing child. Words of caution or criticism constantly meted out to a child might lead to regular suppression. An abused or traumatized child is also more likely to develop allodoxaphobia.