The Impact of Fear of Animals on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) And Daily Activity in Bangkok

The fear of animals in urban environments has become an emerging concern, especially in densely populated areas like Bangkok. As urbanization expands, human-wildlife interactions have become more frequent, often resulting in intense fear responses that may contribute to mental health challenges. This study aims to examine the relationship between fear of animals and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as the impact on daily life activities among Bangkok residents. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected responses from 360 participants, measuring levels of impact in PTSD response to daily activities in response to fear of animals. Our findings suggest that encounters with animals may contribute to psychological distress, with women potentially being more affected. One potential explanation is that higher estrogen levels in women may increase sensitivity to stress and emotional recall, whereas testosterone in men might stabilize stress responses, Highlighting the importance of better understanding human-animal interactions in urban settings, which could inform mental health support and related policies. These results predispose consideration of gender and hormonal differences in understanding stress responses and psychological well-being during animal encounters to improve mental well-being.