Gamophobia (Fear Of Commitment): Causes & Treatment

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What is gamophobia?

People who have gamophobia have a fear of commitment. This fear is so intense that they often find it impossible to have long-term relationships. “Gamos” is the Greek word for marriage. “Phobos” (phobia) means fear.

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Some people can’t commit to long-term plans like choosing a college, making a career choice or picking a place to live. This fear of commitment differs from gamophobia, which is specifically about personal relationships.

People with gamophobia may:

  • Be unable to form lasting intimate relationships.
  • Experience extreme anxiety when in a relationship and constantly worry about the relationship ending.
  • Feel anxiety when they see a happily committed couple.
  • Push people away or end relationships abruptly.

What is a phobia?

Phobias are a very common type of anxiety disorder. They cause you to have extreme thoughts or fears about things that aren’t truly harmful. Gamophobia is a specific phobic disorder, which means you’re afraid of a certain situation: marriage or commitment.

How common is gamophobia?

It’s hard to know exactly how many people have a specific phobia, like gamophobia (fear of commitment). Many people may keep this fear to themselves or may not recognize they have it. About 1 in 10 American adults and 1 in 5 teenagers will deal with a specific phobia disorder at some point in their lives.

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